Our Mission
Excellence.
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists promotes excellence in veterinary ophthalmology through advanced training, certification, research and education.
Find a veterinary ophthalmologist near you.
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists promotes excellence in veterinary ophthalmology through advanced training, certification, research and education.
Veterinary Specialists
You may be wondering, when or why might your pet may need a veterinary ophthalmologist? Learn how boarded specialists can work with your general veterinarian to help your pet.
The ACVO and its diplomates are proud to donate complimentary, screening eye exams to Service and Working Animals every year with the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. Annually, registration takes place the month of April and the exams take place the month of May. In ten years our ophthalmologists have donated over 60,000 exams!
Thanks to Stokes Pharmacy for their amazing sponsor support for this program, and the incredible sponsor support of many more groups and non-profits each year.
Ten years ago, Dr. Bill Miller, the founder of the program, recognized the good that was being done by so many our specialists already donating exams and decided to create a national platform to help expand individual efforts...and this national event was born.
To date ACVO Diplomate members have examined more than 60,000 Service and Working animals' eyes.
On average, over 300 specialists volunteer their time, staff and financial resources to the program annually.
Check out the ACVO's animal eye care blog to learn more about common diseases, treatments and innovations. Learn tips and tricks to keep your pet's peepers in tip top shape!
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) affects middle aged dogs of many breeds, but Dachshunds, Pugs, Miniature Schnauzers and other dog breeds are commonly affected. Dogs often have additional signs (hunger, thirst, weight gain). The disease has been described for over 2 decades, but veterinary ophthalmologists are still somewhat “in the dark” about this disease.
So, you want to be a veterinary ophthalmologist? Of course you do, it’s the best job on the planet earth! Who wouldn’t want to be a veterinary ophthalmologist? After all, you get to help a variety of animals, their associated owners, practice at the highest level of veterinary medicine, help animals maintain vision, improve their comfort, and you get to perform eye saving procedures and help blind animals see again! So what does it take to get there?
Our very own Dr. Heather Brookshire was featured in Inside Business as a Top 40 Under 40. Featured in the article is an interview with Dr. Brookshire herself. Huge congratulations on this incredible achievement, Dr. Brookshire!
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Georgia was a 13 year old female Impala from the Brevard county zoo. She was noted by zookeepers to have a cloudy appearance in her right eye and was exhibiting a change in feeding behavior.
(Estimated 2 minute read with photos)
Two of our very own Diplomates, Dr. William Beltran and Dr. Sara Thomasy, are a part of research teams awarded grants from the National Eye Institute. These five research teams will develop new models for eye disease research.
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Review our on-demand educational resources, find ophthalmology CE for general practitioners, and local referrals.
The purpose of the OFA CAER examinations is to provide breeders with information regarding canine eye diseases so they make informed breeding decisions in an effort to produce healthier dogs. ACVO Diplomates work with OFA leadership to review genetic data and annually update breeding recommendations for publication in the 'Blue Book'. CAER examinations must be performed by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists of the ACVO. Use the 'Help My Pet's Eyes' button above to locate a participatig doctor.
Common Conditions
Ever wonder which eye conditions an ophthalmologist is best trained to recognize and treat? Does something look 'different' about your pet's eyes and you're trying to figure out what's happening? Boarded veterinarians have provided this 'Common Conditions' resource to guide you in your research in over a dozen common problems in pets. You may also find help in our Tips, Tricks & Treatments blog.
The ACVO VAF was founded by ACVO Diplomate members with a mission to improve the quality of life of animals by preserving and restoring their vision through education and science. This is now a separate charitable organization, tax deductible donations may be made to the organization to further research and education.