These veterinarians are highly trained in diagnostic and surgical ophthalmology. Following veterinary college and an internship year, these individuals then serve in a 2-3 year residency program during which they train under the guidance of senior ophthalmologists. At the end of this training period, which includes both clinical work and intensive scientific study and writing requirements, the individual is eligible for a 3-day examination monitored by a committee or board of ophthalmologists, who are members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO). Upon successful completion of this examination, the veterinarian is considered board certified in the specialty of veterinary ophthalmology.
Veterinary ophthalmologists deal exclusively with animal eye diseases and have the expertise as well as the specialized diagnostic equipment often required for the definitive diagnosis of your cat's eye problem. Annual continuing education meetings provide veterinary ophthalmologists with first hand knowledge of the latest available resources to offer their patients. Your primary veterinarian is updated after the appointment so that he or she is immediately aware of the nature of the problem and how we will plan to manage it.
We aim to work with your veterinarian to manage the problem, but progress is often measured with the help of equipment your veterinarian does not have readily available. Typically we direct the follow-up management after the initial diagnosis is made, but are delighted if your veterinarian can assist with some of the recheck appointments. For example, your veterinarian may be asked to monitor tear production or intraocular pressure, if we feel that these tests are required frequently over a time period.
We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment (medical and surgical) of all cat eye problems. Common cat eye problems include conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, corneal sequestrum, eyelid abnormalities, eosinophilic keratitis, ocular inflammation (uveitis), glaucoma, retinal diseases, and ocular cancers. Cryosurgery, ocular ultrasound, electroretinograms, are available specialty services.
Appointments may be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the availability for surgical procedures on Fridays. We hope to expand appointment days/hours in the near future.
We can usually see your cat within a week.
Prior to the scheduled appointment we would like to have a referral letter from your veterinarian, containing any pertinent history about the eye problem and what, if any, medications have been used. If any recent lab work has been performed that may be helpful in the diagnosis, your vet can fax it to us so that we don't repeat things unnecessarily.
The initial appointment includes you and your cat. If any additional testing is recommended, you may be asked to either leave your cat with us for a few hours, or to return during our next available diagnostic testing period (usually the next Friday we are here).
Sedation or anesthesia is occasionally needed for specific tests, but we will discuss this with you in detail beforehand.
If surgery is recommended, it can usually be scheduled within a week. Most procedures are considered day-surgery, meaning you bring your cat in on the morning of the surgery and pick them up later that day once they are recovered from the effects of the anesthesia.
