A veterinary ophthalmology specialist has graduated from a veterinary medicine college, completed a 1-year internship in medicine and surgery, and successfully completed a 3-year ACVO-approved residency in ophthalmology. For a person to become an ACVO Diplomate, their credentials are reviewed and must be accepted by the ACVO Credentials Committee for the applicant to be allowed to take the ACVO certifying examination ("Boards").

The board exam is a three section, four day process, consisting of written, practical, and surgical portions. Finally, after passing all of the above criteria, the veterinarian is recognized as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®. They are now board- certified in veterinary ophthalmology. Only board-certified persons may call themselves a "veterinary specialist", a "specialist in ophthalmology", or an "ophthalmologist" in a veterinary setting.

• Comprehensive eye exams including Schmirer tear testing, tonometry (test for glaucoma), fluorescein staining, slit lamp examination (magnified and systematic eye exam), and ophthalmoscopy (detailed retinal examination)
• Examination for OFA Eye Registry to evaluate breeding animals for inherited eye disease
• Cataract surgery with lens replacement
• Conjunctival grafts
• Corneal surgery
• Surgical and medical management of non-healing corneal ulcers
• Distichia/ectopic cilia corrections
• Oculoplastic and reconstructive eyelid surgery
• Glaucoma management
• Medical and surgical management of KCS (dry eye)
• Ocular prosthesis

• Electroretinogram (ERG) which measures electrical responses in the retina and aids in diagnosing various retinal diseases
• Phacoemulsification equipment for performing cataract surgery
• Cryosurgical unit for minimally invasive treatment of eyelid masses, distichia, trichiasis and ectopic cilia
• Diode laser for the treatment of glaucoma, some ocular tumors and retinal diseases
• Operating microscopes and ophthalmic surgical instruments to perform delicate intraocular and corneal surgery
• Ocular ultrasound equipment to perform more precise intraocular and orbital ultrasound evaluations
• Gonioscopy to determine genetic predisposition for glaucoma
• Chromatic pupillometry to aid in differentiating retinal diseases from neurologic conditions

1. Once you check in with reception you will be greeted by an ophthalmology animal health technician (AHT) who will bring you back to the exam room.
2. The technician will obtain a health history of your pet and perform a brief eye exam and perform diagnostic tests including Schirmer tear test, tonometry, and fluorescein staining.
3. The technician will leave the room and present the case to the veterinary ophthalmologist. Both will return to the exam room to discuss your pet's presenting concern.
4. The veterinarian will then perform a comprehensive eye exam on your pet, including slit lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy. Your pet's diagnosis, treatment options, and further diagnostics, if necessary, will be discussed with you.

5. We will work with you to make decisions about the care of your animal and schedule or perform any diagnostics or treatments that are decided upon.
6. Note: If you are traveling from a long distance, please bring this to our receptionists' attention so that we can best accommodate you and your pet if the need for surgery is suspected.
7. Upon discharge, you will be provided with oral and written discharge instructions, medication information, home care instructions, and follow-up recommendations.