While your veterinarian is your go-to person for your dog's health issues, certain eye conditions require the care of a doctor who has made treating eye conditions his primary specialization. The most qualified canine ophthalmologist has dedicated years of intensive training in veterinary ophthalmology. Finding a competent canine ophthalmologist is of utmost importance to provide an optimal outcome for your beloved companion's eyes.
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Search the Database
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If you're looking for the best eye doctor for your dog, search for a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. These are veterinarians who devoted at least three additional years to specialized training in a residency program and have passed a rigorous credentialing process before achieving board certification by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists are authorized to use the acronym DACVO after their name. A list of those ophthalmologists can be found in the database found on the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists website.
Look at Reviews
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Before heading towards the first ophthalmologist you find, conduct some research. Some ophthalmologists work on a referral-only basis, while others accept patients directly. If no referral is needed, look for reviews and ratings, inquire into other people's experiences and testimonials and look at the credentials of each veterinary ophthalmologist.
Get a Referral
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Often your regular veterinarian will be the one to determine that your dog's eye problem requires the attention of a specialist. In such a case, he'll be referring you to a canine ophthalmologist for specialized diagnostic work and treatment. From your veterinarian's perspective, entrusting patients to another doctor is a serious responsibility.
Find Veterinary Schools
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Another option is to find a veterinary school. The United States offers 28 colleges of veterinary medicine featuring state-of-the-art diagnostic machines and sophisticated treatment facilities. If you are within driving distance of one of these veterinary schools, you may be fortunate enough to find a veterinary ophthalmologist. In this case, you likely will need a written referral from your veterinarian before scheduling an appointment.
Seek Alternate Options
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There may be a chance that you won't have access to a nearby specialist. According to Animal Eye Care of New England, a veterinary ophthalmology practice based in Whately, Massachusetts, there are only 270 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists available worldwide. If you are having trouble locating an eye specialist, your veterinarian or other dog owners may recommend you see a veterinarian with "a practice limited to diseases of the eye" instead.
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