Veterinary Ophthalmology
Specialized Eye Care for Somerset County Pets
At AnimERge, our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist specializes in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye in cats and dogs.
Please Note: A referral from your primary care veterinarian may be required before making an ophthalmology appointment.
Our Ophthalmology Services
By partnering with your pet’s primary care veterinarian, our board-certified ophthalmologist will provide the most comprehensive and compassionate eye care possible for your pet.
The eye conditions that can potentially affect your pet range from minor to severe. These conditions can lead to discomfort and can affect your pet’s vision. When caught early, treatment can reduce pain and preserve your pet's eyesight.
At AnimERge, we can diagnose and treat virtually any eye disease or condition including cataracts, infections, tumors, glaucoma, dry eye, uveitis, corneal ulcers and more.
Our Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist has completed extensive training after veterinary school that focuses exclusively in treating eye disorders in animals. Throughout this training, an ophthalmologist is also required to complete an internship and specialized residency, pass comprehensive exams, and complete publication requirements to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
What to Expect at Your Appointment
We want your visit with our veterinary ophthalmologist to be a pleasant experience from the moment you walk through the door. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our receptionists who will ask you to complete our new patient forms.
Please bring any medications your pet is taking (eye, oral) to the first appointment. Recent blood tests or pertinent records should be faxed to us in advance of your visit.
- Patient History & Diagnostics
Once we have received all your information, one of our trained veterinary technicians will bring you into an examination room and obtain a thorough history.
Initial diagnostic tests including a Schirmer tear test, applanation tonometry, and vital staining will be completed.
- Comprehensive Exam & Additional Diagnostics
After presenting the case to one our board certified ophthalmologists, the ophthalmologist will then perform a complete exam. The exam will include vision testing, slit lamp examination (biomicroscopy), and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
The ophthalmologist will then discuss with you the current ocular condition and make therapeutic and/or further diagnostic recommendations.
Other diagnostic techniques that may be performed include gonioscopy, nasolacrimal flushing, harvesting of corneal and conjunctival cells, cytology, aqueocentesis, ocular ultrasound, electroretinography, genetic testing for inherited eye disease, and blood pressure measurement.
- Discharge & Next Steps
When your visit is completed, a technician will provide you with discharge instructions containing a diagnosis, instructions for medical therapy, and a description of the current ocular condition.
The ophthalmologist will also send your primary care veterinarian a referral letter the same day as your initial appointment to inform them of their findings. We strive to work with your veterinarian to provide the best comprehensive care possible.
Symptoms of Eye Conditions
There are common signs an animal may exhibit if eye disease is occurring. If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, your veterinarian can contact us for an appointment with our trained veterinary ophthalmologist.
- Discharge
- Squinting
- Tearing / Tear-Stained Fur
- Swelling
- Vision Loss (sudden)
- Cloudiness
- Eye Rubbing
- Change in Eye Color
- Red Eye
- Vision Loss (gradual)