The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) participated in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) National Service Animal Eye Exam Event this May 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Drs. Anne Gemensky Metzler, Geordina Newbold and Eric Miller, board certified veterinary ophthalmologists, provided free ocular screening eye exams to qualified service and working animals, like Waldo the nine-year-old standard poodle.
To Becky, Waldo's owner, he is much more than a beloved pet, he gives her independence. Becky's had Waldo eight years and brings him into the VMC for annual his veterinary visits. At his visit in mid-May she said, "Waldo keeps me safe. He sees for me so I want to keep him healthy."
Registered veterinary technicians Robin Richardson and Shelby Moorehead last saw Waldo in 2019 and agreed he was so handsome. They noted how poodles often make good service dogs because of their size and trainability.
Eligible service and working animals were invited to make an appointment to receive a free screening eye exam from participating ophthalmologists, like Ohio State. Over 200 veterinary ophthalmologists across the U.S. also offer sight assessments to thousands of service animals during this event. This is the ninth year Ohio State has participated. Registration for the annual service animal eye exam typically opens in April on the ACVO website.
“Sight is essential for these important Service Animals,” said, ACVO’s Executive Director, Stacee Daniel. “It is a fantastic experience to assist our boarded ophthalmologists to be able to provide these services to this valuable community. Our doctors affirm that early diagnosis is key to treating ocular disease.”
Learn more about the Comparative Ophthalmology service at the Veterinary Medical Center
