To request an appointment, please call us at (818) 501-5155. We will get you in to see Dr. McNabb as quickly as possible, often within 1 – 2 business days. For urgent situations, same day appointments are available. Immediate emergency referrals are also arranged. Once your consultation has been scheduled, please fill out the New Patient Registration form and submit it to us on-line before your appointment. Alternatively, you can print the form, fill it out and bring it with you to your appointment.
What to expect during your visit:
It is our goal at Animal Vision Care & Surgical Center to ensure your visit runs smoothly and with ample time to answer your questions and ease any anxiety around your pet’s condition. To help prepare you for your visit, here is an overview of the exam process and what you can expect:
Before your visit:
- Do not feed your pet any type of food or snacks prior to your appointment. Diabetic pets should be fed and their insulin administered as usual. Provide water as usual.
- Bring all medications your pet is currently receiving. This is very important.
- Bring all pertinent medical records provided by your pet’s primary care veterinarian. This includes any laboratory test results, such as blood work and biopsy reports. Medical records may also be faxed to 888-254-4873.
- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to fill out the New Patient Registration form if not already completed, and any additional release forms.
During your visit:
- We work hard to honor your scheduled appointment time. Most clients appreciate that we are usually on schedule for most appointments. However, emergencies do arise and some patients require more intensive care than others. This means that occasionally you may experience a wait. When this occurs, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
- Depending on the size of your pet, eye examinations are performed either on the floor or on a cushioned table. We gently hold patients during the exam and encourage our clients to sit and relax. This is very effective in easing your pet’s anxieties as well.
- In most instances, a full ophthalmic examination is accomplished in a short amount of time, and typically includes a glaucoma test (tonometry) , vital eye staining, and tear assessment testing.
- Anesthetic eye drops are used to reduce discomfort in irritated eyes prior to in-depth examination. However, if the doctor, assistant, or our client feels that examination may result in significant agitation, and in fear or protective aggression, a muzzle may be placed for everyone’s safety. If the patient is very painful or aggressive, sedation may be required for a thorough, painless and safe examination.
- We require that every patient have a full eye examination, regardless of the primary concern or problem area. This ensures that no seemingly minor issue is overlooked. We do not always dilate your pet’s pupils, and especially if glaucoma is of concern. If we do, the pupils return to normal size within 3 hours.
After your visit:
- Once you decide how you would like to proceed, we will guide you through the process of scheduling any procedures or additional tests.
- Your pet’s treatment is a collaborative effort. As your pet’s primary care veterinarian in an integral member of that team, we will make sure they are informed of your pet’s eye condition and as a treatment plan is determined.
- Dr. McNabb will always make herself available to you, including after hours, to answer questions you may have regarding your pet’s eye condition or on-going treatment plan.