The Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Ophthalmology Department specializes in treating diseases of the eye in small animal patients. Many of the conditions that affect people, such as corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and cataracts, can also be found in pets. Pets with vision disorders adapt remarkably well by learning to rely on their senses of hearing and smell to compensate.
Since pets are unable to respond to some of the conventional testing methods, such as eye charts, veterinary ophthalmologists use other means to gauge a patient’s level of eye health. Overall, the factors that define vision in pets are similar to those that define human vision. These include perception of color, depth, motion, field of view, and acuity.
Depending on the suspected cause of a pet’s condition, an exam may include:
• Internal and External Examination of the Eye (assesses overall eye health)
• Measurement of Eye Pressure (necessary in diagnosing glaucoma)
• Dilation of the Pupils (enhances the ability to see cataracts and retinal problems such as damaged blood vessels which may signify diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic diseases)
• Schirmer Tear Test
• Fluorescein Corneal Stain
Our facility includes multiple exam rooms, diagnostic areas, and surgical suites designed to provide safe and effective ophthalmology services for our patients. We are equipped
with an operating microscope, phacoemulsification unit (cataract removal), cryo-surgical unit, diode laser, electroretinography, and ultrasonography. The Ophthalmology Department also provides diagnostic tests for corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
Diagnostic tests & treatments include:
• Comprehensive Ophthalmic Examinations
• CERF Ocular Examinations
• Gonioscopy
• CT Scan & MRI
• Electroretinography
• Medical Management of All Ocular Diseases (both directly and indirectly affecting the eye, such as cancer)
• Surgical Treatment of Ocular Diseases of the Eyelids, Eyes, and Surrounding Tissues (eyelid neoplasms, entropion, cherry eye, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and cataracts)
What is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist?
Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye. In addition to completing undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school, board-certified ophthalmologists are similar to their human medical counterparts in that they have completed an internship and residency in their specialized field (an additional 3-5 years training). This is followed by a rigorous examination to achieve board-certification status from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Passing this examination grants the status of Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO). Board-certified ophthalmologists work together with primary care veterinarians to provide the best eye care health available for pets.
