Service Dog Ocular Exam Event Sets Participation Recordservice dog, Service Dog Eye Exam Event, veterinary ophthalmologists, veterinary practiceParticipation in the 5th Annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event increased by 20 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year, with nearly 5,000 service animals receiving a free examination, the ACVO reported today.Participation in the 5th Annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event increased by 20 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year, with nearly 5,000 service animals receiving a free examination.newslineService Dog Ocular Exam Event Sets Participation RecordPosted: June 22, 2012, 2:10 p.m. EDTParticipation in the 5th Annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event increased by 20 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year, with nearly 5,000 service animals receiving a free examination, the ACVO reported today. A veterinary ophthalmologist in Pittsburgh discovered a cataract on Cassie, a 4-year-old Irish Setter, during a complimentary exam as part of the ACVO/Merial event.Two-hundred and fifty board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists provided complimentary exams to guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue dogs and other service animals, including horses and a donkey. “We’ve exceeded our expectations and are so thankful for all of our board certified veterinary ophthalmologists who volunteered their time and helped so many service animals,” said Stacee Daniel, executive director of the ACVO. “Since we launched the event five years ago, we’ve increased the number of service animals examined each year. We’re also educating people about the importance of animal eye health.” The goals of the annual event are to: Benefit individuals and society who rely on service dogs;Strengthen referral relationship between veterinary ophthalmologists and general practice veterinarians;Gather data relative to work performance for future work recommendations; andPreserve the sight of those animals who serve us selflessly. The event is primarily sponsored by ACVO and Merial. Other sponsors include Ocu-GLO Rx, Canine Vision Supplement, Welch Allyn, Aventix, Eye Care for Animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations, the American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives and other national service and animal organizations.<HOME>http://www.veterinarypracticenews.comimages/article-images/eyeappt-300px.jpg6/22/2012 12:41 PM
