About the Ophthalmology Service at BRVS

The ophthalmology team at BRVS has advanced training, equipment, and expertise to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of all ocular conditions or concerns.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for all animals. Our goal is to enhance your pet’s quality of life by improving vision, managing chronic ocular disease, and relieving discomfort from painful eye disorders.

FOR VETERINARIANS:

SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE (but are not limited to):

• Diabetic and non-diabetic cataract surgery with artificial lens implants
• Structural corrections such as entropion, distichia and cherry eye surgeries
• Medical and surgical management of corneal injury/non healing ulcers
• Minimally invasive eyelid tumor removal/therapy
• Glaucoma management
• Retinal/vision diagnostics
• Dry eye therapy (KCS)
• Advanced microscope-assisted surgical procedures
• OFA CAER exams (For inherited eye disease screening)

 WHEN TO REFER OR TRANSFER FOR CONTINUED CARE:

We recommend considering referral to the Ophthalmology team at BRVS for the following situations

• Patient has not responded optimally, or is becoming increasingly painful despite therapy
• Vision loss or continued decline despite treatment
• Corneal ulcers that are not healing in a timely manner (5-7days)
• Ocular trauma with concerns for vision loss or hemorrhage
• Glaucoma diagnosis
• We recommend evaluating Diabetic patients at time of diagnosis to aid in preventing vision loss complications
• Concerns for lens luxation or retinal detachment

We are happy to see your patients at any time, for any concerns. Our after hours ER team can aid in providing diagnostics, care and involving the Ophthalmology team on an emergency basis until case transfer to Ophthalmology.

FOR CLIENTS:

What is a Veterinary Ophthalmologist?

A Veterinary Ophthalmologist has specialized training and expertise in diagnosing and treating ocular conditions in all pet/working animal species. To achieve specialist level requires extensive advanced training, which includes veterinary school, internship and 3 year residency. Specialty Diplomate status can then only be obtained once a rigorous Board Exam is passed. This process ensures that your veterinary Ophthalmologist is able to offer the most advanced level of care for your pet’s ocular health, vision and comfort. For more information, visit the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology online at www.ACVO.org

What to Expect During Your Visit

You and your pet will meet with our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Trevor Arnold, who will perform a complete eye examination. Assessing eye health includes tear production, tear quality, eye pressure, retinal exam and corneal staining for ulcerations. Based on the exam findings, Dr. Arnold will discuss any concerns and treatment options for your pet.

Many eye conditions can be diagnosed and treated during your initial exam. In some cases, more advanced testing, treatments or surgeries require further appointment scheduling. Follow up examinations are needed to ensure the treatments are helping your pet heal appropriately, and will be explained at the time of your visit.

SPECIALIZED SERVICES OFFERED WITHIN OPHTHALMOLOGY:

 OFA Certification for Breeding

We are happy to work with our canine and feline breeding community in optimizing ocular (eye) health within breeding lines. We offer breed specific screening exams to evaluate for congenital/inherited conditions, in addition to general ocular health.

ACVO Service Dog exams

We are pleased to participate in the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam program. This is a philanthropic service/event that provides free, ocular screening eye exams to qualified Service & Working Animals in May of each year. Dogs must be registered through the ACVO to enroll in this program. For more information on eligibility and to register please visit www.acvoeyeexam.org