Client Visit Information
The ophthalmologists and staff at Animal Eye Center look forward to meeting you and your pet. We work closely with your referring veterinarian and will keep them updated with a faxed referral letter sent out on the day of your appointment and by phone updates as needed. If you are a new patient, you can download and print your client information sheet. Filling it out prior to your visit will help us to create a new patient record when you arrive at our office. Please try to include all medications including herbal medications your pet is currently taking and any information about recent diagnosis or treatment for other medical conditions. Please call your veterinarian after you have made your appointment and ask them to fax pertinent medical records and blood tests to our office at (916) 624-4364.
Your pet will receive a complete eye examination by one of our veterinary ophthalmologists. We will perform slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy examinations to view the entire structure of the eye. In addition, we may perform other diagnostic tests including a Schirmer tear test, Tono-Pen intraocular pressure reading, fluorescein stain or an ocular ultrasound. In some cases, additional diagnostic testing and blood analysis may be indicated to properly diagnose and treat your pet.
For additional information and to set up your appointment, please call our office at (916) 624-4364. If you or your veterinarian thinks it is an emergency that your pet be seen immediately, we will make every attempt to give you a daytime emergency appointment. Our staff can help determine if your pet has an emergency condition.
Companion animal eye registry (CAER)exams
CAER examinations are performed on purebred dogs that are part of a breeding program. The CAER examination is used to diagnose inherited eye disease. Breeders can then appropriately eliminate dogs from their breeding programs with genetic vision compromising conditions. These examinations are performed after your dog’s pupils have been dilated. There are a few breeds that require examination prior to and after pupil dilation so be sure to let us know your dog’s breed when you make the appointment. You will need to bring your dog’s registration number, date of birth, registered name and microchip or tattoo number with you to fill out the CAER form. The results of the CAER examination are good for one year from the date of the examination. You will need to send your copy of the CAER exam and fee to CAER in order to receive a CAER number. Dogs seven weeks of age and older can have a CAER examination. Only ACVO Boarded Veterinary Ophthalmologists can perform CAER examinations.
Service dog examinations
Animal Eye Center takes part in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) Annual Service Dog Event. These free eye examinations take place in May each year and more information can be obtained on the ACVO website. See our Animal Outreach page.
The initial visit
Animal Eye Center examines pets with eye problems but does not provide general medical care unless it relates directly to your pet’s eye problem. If your Veterinarian has referred you, they will supply the ophthalmologist with pertinent case history information prior to your pet’s consultation. It will facilitate us getting this information if you will call your veterinarian and ask them to submit a referral form found on our web site and fax it with the other information to our office at (916) 632-9138. Many veterinary hospitals require prior client authorization in order to fax us your pet’s medical records.
You may download the Client Information sheet from this webpage. Please complete the form and bring it with you at your first appointment. Please bring a complete list of all medications your pet is taking including health supplements. Bring any medications prescribed for your pet’s eyes with you to your first visit.
Your pet’s first examination takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and includes a detailed case history and thorough examination of the external and internal structures of your pet’s eyes. In addition, ancillary diagnostic test procedures may be performed to facilitate diagnosis. The ophthalmologist will remain in close contact with your veterinarian concerning diagnosis, treatment and recommended follow-up care. Your veterinarian will receive a faxed referral letter concerning your appointment the day of your visit. You will receive a summary of our findings with detailed information on your pet’s condition and recommended treatment. We will also provide you with a detailed estimate for any recommended surgical procedures. We welcome your questions and you may feel free to call us if you have further concerns about your pet’s progress.
We try to see you at your designated time, but sometimes emergencies and unforeseen delays can cause us to run behind. We appreciate your patience when this happens and will be happy to reschedule your appointment if needed.
The fees charged are usual and customary for the specialty services provided. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered by cash, check (only on invoices < $250) and credit or bank debit cards. A written estimate for extended diagnostic or surgical treatment will be given prior to performing the procedures. For surgical procedures, half of the payment is due when you drop your pet off for the surgery and the remainder at the time you pick up your pet. Our receptionist can give you a basic estimate of what the fees will be for your first visit when you call to make the appointment.