Animal Eye Clinic - The Referral Process

Animal Eye Clinic of North Florida Appointments available in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Tallahassee and Pensacola

Animal Eye Clinic
3444 Southside Blvd.
Suite 104
Jacksonville, FL 32216
ph: (904) 998-7805
fax: (904) 998-8705
alt: (877) 887-1914
animaleyejax@yahoo.com

The Referral Process

Many eye problems are managed by your primary veterinarian. If your veterinarian believes that your pet would benefit by the skill and experience of a specialist, the Doctor will refer you to the Animal Eye Clinic. Your veterinarian will provide information regarding your pet's medical history, previous and present therapy and any other information relevant to your case. Please bring any eye medications your pet is currently using with you on your visit. Once our diagnosis is complete, a full written report will be provided to your regular veterinarian. We will continually provide updates to your regular doctor as your pet's treatment progresses. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your pet.

Disease Information
As a service to pets and their owners, Animal Eye Clinic has a large selection of hand outs for many ocular diseases in domestic animals. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) provides articles written by its Board Certified Doctors on many ocular diseases. To review these articles, please visit ACVO online at www.acvo.org and click on the "Veterinarians & Public" tab. Disease information is located in the section titled "Ophth Articles". To locate Board Certified Ophthalmologist in your area, please visit the section titled "Find an Ophthalmologist".
CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) Examinations
Animal Eye Clinic performs annual Cerf examinations. The CERF exam is an ocular screening exam performed to determine if a purebred dog is affected by a major heritable eye disease. Upon completion of the exam, a computerized form is mailed to CERF and the information is entered into their database. This database helps breeders and ophthalmologists monitor eye diseases. Registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually by examination. For more information on CERF, please visit their website at www.vmdb.org.
Cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts in dogs and cats is an inherited defect in the lens. In addition, cataracts may develop following an eye injury, inflammation in the eye or a systemic disease such as diabetes. Cataract removal is a very delicate surgical procedure. A complete examination of the eyes is necessary to determine if a pet is a good surgical candidate. Typically an electroretinogram (ERG) is required to test the retinal function of the eye, as well as an ocular ultrasound. Also important is the pet's general health. A blood sample is submitted prior to surgery to be sure the pet's internal organs are functioning normally. This lab work may be performed at your regular veterinarian's office. Medications are administered 5-7 days prior to surgery. Surgery is usually performed in the morning and pets are discharged the same afternoon. After surgery, additional medications will be sent home with the pet along with complete instructions. Follow up visits are important to monitor the healing process. Most patients are seen regularly for a few months following surgery, then yearly rechecks are advised. The pet will regain vision as healing in the eye takes place.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease in which pressure within the eye increases to dangerous levels. This increase in pressure permanently damages the retina and the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in dogs and cats. Symptoms of this disease include redness of the sclera (white part of the eye), a blue or white cornea, a painful or squinting eye, a dilated and unresponsive pupil, excessive tearing and sudden blindness. If the pressure remains high, the eye itself may become very enlarged. Glaucoma should be treated as an emergency.
ACVO National Service Dog Exams
Animal Eye Clinic is a particiapnt in the ACVO sponsored National Service Dog Exam program. This public service event takes place during the entire month of May. Over 170 Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists will donate their services to provide eye screening exams to service dogs throughout the United States and Canada. Please click here for more information and registration instructions.

Animal Eye Clinic
3444 Southside Blvd.
Suite 104
Jacksonville, FL 32216
ph: (904) 998-7805
fax: (904) 998-8705
alt: (877) 887-1914
animaleyejax@yahoo.com

The Referral Process

Disease Information

CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) Examinations

Cataracts

Glaucoma

ACVO National Service Dog Exams