A Veterinary Ophthalmologist complete extensive training beyond their Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. The education path is as follows:
- College/University – 4 years of undergraduate study
- Veterinary School – 4 years
- Internship in a Veterinary Hospital – 1 year
- Residency in a Veterinary Ophthalmology Program – 3-4 years
- Certification – Successful completion of credentials and certifying examination by The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Veterinary Ophthalmologists use instruments which are identical to those used in human ophthalmology, including the following:
- Slit-lamp biomicroscope, which illuminates and magnifies the front and interior of the eye with a beam of light
- Tonometer, an instrument used to measure the fluid pressure in the eye
- Binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, used to examine the back of the eye (vitreous and retina)
- Ophthalmic laser, which can be used to perform precise, delicate operations on the eye
- Cryosurgery device to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue or tumor cells
- Operating Microscope
- Ocular Ultrasound
- Electroretinogram for evaluating retinal function
- Phacoemulsification Machine – ultrasonic emulsification machine for removal of cataracts
What types of problems are seen by the Ophthalmologist?
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) – the deficiency in the quality or quantity of tears lubricating the eye which causes constant pain from eye irritation, and a sandy or gritty sensation that, if untreated, can lead to scarring, pigmentation or ulceration of the cornea, and loss of vision
- Cataracts – opacification of the crystalline lens resulting in vision impairment
- Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the tissue that lines the eyelids)
- Corneal ulcers with delayed healing (Indolent corneal ulcers)
- Corneal ulcers – (Infected or stromal ulcers)
- Corneal sequestrum
- Distichiasis and trichiasis (extra or deviated eyelashes)
- Entropion (Eyelids turned in) & Ectropion (Eyelids turned out)
- Enucleation (eye removal)
- Eosinophilic keratitis
- Everted third eyelid cartilage
- Evisceration – removal of the contents of a blind, painful eye and placement of an intraocular spherical prosthesis
- Eyelid tumors
- Glaucoma
- Herpesvirus infection
- Lens luxation
- Melanoma and Melanosis
- Third eyelid (nictitans) gland prolapse (“cherry eye”)
- Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (hereditary retinal degeneration resulting in progressive blindness)
- Ptosis (drooping upper lid)
- Retinal dysplasia – folding and/or thinning of the retina
- Sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARDS)
- Uveitis – inflammation of the vascular tissues within the eye (iris, ciliary body and choroid)
What sorts of emergency problems do Veterinary Ophthalmologists treat?
- Diabetic or rapid onset cataracts
- Glaucoma (elevated pressure inside eye globe)
- Hyphema (blood in the eye)
- Luxated lens (loosened or detached lens)
- Corneal laceration/ulceration
- Orbital abscess
- Proptosed globe (eye popped out)
- Uveitis
- Exophthalmos (eye protruding from socket)
- Blindness, rapid onset
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)