Ophthalmology

Our Ophthalmology department offers compassionate care for both our clients and their pets while employing specialized, state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in treating diseases and injuries of the eye. Our goal is to improve and preserve animal vision and quality of life by providing the finest veterinary ophthalmology services for pets.

What Is A Veterinary Ophthalmologist?

A veterinary ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases that can affect your pet's eye and vision. A veterinary ophthalmologist is also equipped to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the structures surrounding the eye, such as the eyelids, conjunctiva, and some of the bones of the skull that comprise the eye socket. A veterinary ophthalmologist will combine medical and surgical treatments in order to most effectively treat your pet's eye problem.

Pet eye diseases that you may be familiar with as a result of your own visits to a human ophthalmologist include, but are not limited to, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, and corneal ulcers.

Why Does My Pet Need A Veterinary Ophthalmologist?

While your pet’s primary care veterinarian can manage many aspects of their health, there are times, just as in human medicine, when a specialist’s care is needed. If your pet has a complex or serious condition, they may need the expertise of a veterinary ophthalmologist for advanced diagnostics, specialized treatment, or surgery. A veterinarian who refers your pet for specialized care demonstrates a strong commitment to providing the highest standard of treatment.

What Special Problems Does A Veterinary Ophthalmologist Treat?

Routine eye matters can frequently be handled by your general practitioner veterinarian. However, the conditions listed below, among others, frequently require the attention of a specialist.

• Cataracts
• Corneal ulcer
• Entropion
• Glaucoma
• Prolapsed gland of the nictitans (cherry eye)
• Uveitis
• OFA (prev. CERF) Eye Certification
  
   

Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved?

Our veterinary ophthalmologist works in partnership with your veterinarian as part of your pet’s overall healthcare team. Your primary care veterinarian will continue to oversee your pet’s general care, supported by the specialized insight of our veterinary ophthalmologist when needed. We will work closely together, sharing all relevant healthcare information to ensure your pet receives coordinated, seamless care.

If you have any concerns about your pet's eye health, please feel free to call our hospital to schedule an ophthalmology consultation. We're here to help you and your pet!

Did You Know?

• Do you know why your pet's eyes seem to glow when caught in the light at night? It's because of a specialized structure called a tapetum. Most animals that are active at night have this special, additional layer underneath their retina. This reflective structure acts like a mirror, and reflects light back through your pet's retina to enhance night vision.
• Do dogs see only in black and white? While we can't ask them, most veterinary ophthalmologists now believe that dogs see colors similarly to how a color blind human would perceive them: Not only in black and white, but with a limited scale of colors.