Specialized Eye Care for Newtown Pets
At Newtown Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified vet ophthalmologists are able to treat virtually almost any eye disease or condition including corneal ulcers, feline herpesvirus, dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, eye tumors, and more.
When these conditions are found and treated early it can reduce your pet's pain and preserve their eyesight.
Our veterinary ophthalmologists in Newtown will communicate with your pet's primary care veterinary to make sure your cat or dog gets the best care possible.
Our Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists
To be a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, after graduating from veterinary school an individual has to complete extensive training that focuses solely on treating eye disorders in animals. During their training, an ophthalmologist also has to complete an internship and specialized residency, pass complicated exams, and meet publication requirements to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At Newtown Veterinary Specialists we want your appointment with our veterinary ophthalmologists to be a good experience from the moment you enter our clinic. When you arrive, you will be met by one of our receptionists who will ask you to fill out our new patient forms.
Please bring to your first appointment any medications your pet is currently taking (eye, oral). We also ask you to please fax us any recent blood tests or pertinent records prior to your visit.
- Patient History & Diagnostics
As soon as we have received all your information, we will take you and your cat or dog into an examination room and review your pet's history.
We will also complete initial diagnostic tests including a Schirmer's tear test, applanation tonometry, and vital staining.
- Comprehensive Exam & Additional Diagnostics
Your pet will have baseline diagnostic testing performed, including a tear test, fluorescein staining to evaluate for corneal ulcers, and an intraocular pressure check. Your pet’s pupils may also be dilated.
Our ophthalmologists will examine your pet’s eyes using slit-lamp biomicroscopy as well as indirect ophthalmoscopy. Other common diagnostic tests that are performed, although not always the first time you come in, include electroretinography, ocular and orbital imaging via ultrasound and CT scan.
Every test performed will be explained to you, and all are very important in assessing your pet’s ocular health. Your pet’s condition will be fully explained to you, and recommendations for his or her continued care will be discussed. - Treatments and Surgery
Most of the time eye conditions can be treated medically however, sometimes surgery will be needed.
Some of the surgeries we use to treat eye conditions include cataract surgery, glaucoma shunting, laser procedures, eyelid reconstruction, and corneal grafts.
- Discharge & Next Steps
When your visit is completed, you will be provided with discharge instructions containing a diagnosis, directions for medical therapy, and a description of your pet's current ocular condition.
Our ophthalmologists will also send your primary care veterinarian a referral letter to inform them of their findings. We strive to work with your veterinarian to provide the best comprehensive care possible.
Symptoms of Eye Conditions
Cats and dogs can display one or more common signs of eye disease. If your animal is suffering from any of the following symptoms, inform your primary care vet who will contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our trained veterinary ophthalmologists.
- Tearing / Tear-Stained Fur
- Squinting
- Discharge
- Swelling
- Vision Loss (sudden)
- Red Eye
- Eye Rubbing
- Cloudiness
- Change in Eye Color
- Vision Loss (gradual)