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Veterinary Ophthalmology Journal
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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 using the button below:
HELP MY PET'S EYES - VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST SEARCH TOOL
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY FAQS
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.
WHY A VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST?
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!
Tips, Treatments,  & Tricks
Apr 15, 2026
Equine Recurrent Uveitis
Apr 15, 2026
Equine recurrent uveitis, also called ERU or ‘moon blindness,’ is a common ocular disease in the equine population. While there is much debate as to the underlying causes of ERU, genetics certainly play a role in many affected breeds of horses, and some systemic or infectious diseases can, as well.
ERU can be a challenging disease to treat.  However, if caught early, there are multiple options for the treatment of ERU, and we can prolong vision and comfort for an affected horse for many additional years.
Read More →
Apr 15, 2026
Mar 18, 2026
Understanding Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (BOS)
Mar 18, 2026
Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (BOS) is a clinical condition affecting "flat-faced" dog and cat breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats). Their unique skull shape results in shallow eye sockets and a flattened facial structure, leaving the eyes protruding and highly vulnerable to injury, dryness, and painful, sight-threatening diseases.
Read More →
Mar 18, 2026
Browse More Tips
Members in the News
Aug 30, 2024
ACVO Member, Dr. Shelby Reinstein, Wins Fetch DVM360 2024 Hospital Design Award
Aug 30, 2024
ACVO Member,
Dr. Shelby Reinstein’s
clinic, Vet Vision Center in Lambertville, NJ, recently won the Grand Prize for the National Veterinary Hospital Design Competition hosted by Fetch DVM360!
Read More →
Aug 30, 2024
Aug 30, 2024
UC Davis Veterinary Ophthalmologists Treat White Tiger with New Laser Technology
Aug 30, 2024
Falcor, an 11-year-old, 412-pound white Bengal-hybrid tiger, was treated by UC Davis ophthalmologists for an eyelid tumor.
Read More →
Aug 30, 2024
Aug 30, 2024
Dr. Kate Myrna - "Nip & Tuck Surgeries for Dogs and Cats are More Than Cosmetic. Here's Why." Article
Aug 30, 2024
ACVO Member, Dr. Kate Myrna, was recently featured in CNN’s article...
Read More →
Aug 30, 2024
More Members in the News Stories
DVM Resources
Review our on-demand educational resources, find ophthalmology CE for general practitioners, and local referrals.
REFERRAL RESOURCE
EDUCATION
ACVO’s Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) Examinations, through OFA
The ACVO CAER canine eye screening examinations aim to collect, evaluate, and provide information to breeders about canine eye diseases. This information helps breeders make informed breeding decisions which should result in healthier dogs. Only board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists (ACVO Diplomates), credentialed through the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ABVO), are authorized to provide ACVO CAER screening exams to breeders.
The ACVO collaborates with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to administer the examination program. Together with the ACVO Genetics Committee, they publish annual breeding recommendations in the 'ACVO Blue Book'.
Use the 'Help My Pet's Eyes' link above to locate a participating doctor.
ACVO and OFA have agreed that a portion of the proceeds from all ACVO CAER eye registrations will be donated to the
ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation
to support research leading to the elimination of ocular diseases causing vision loss and suffering in animals. Funding has been provided to the VAF annually since 2013, amounting to more than $350,000 in donations as of the end of 2024.
Breeders should refer directly to the OFA website for questions.
CONNECT WITH OFA
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
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY FAQS
The ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation
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.
VAF WEBSITE
VAF LEARN MORE POWERPOINT
MAKE A DONATION
2026 Event Info
More information regarding the 2026 Event will be posted to the ACVO-SAVES.org website and on our social media platforms.
Participating cities
from the 2025 event have been updated on the website.
We are grateful to our members and sponsor (Epicur Pharma) for donating their time and resources.
Please note locations and/or appointments may be limited in your area.
Registrations will be open April 1st - 30th only
, with the event occurring throughout the month of May.
More information can be found on the ACVO-SAVES.org website
The ACVO and its diplomates are proud to donate complimentary, screening eye exams to Service and Working Animals every year with the
ACVO-SAVES (Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening)
. Annually, registration takes place the month of April and the exams take place the month of May. In seventeen years our ophthalmologists have donated over 92,000 exams!
Thanks to Epicur Pharma for their amazing sponsor support for this program, and the incredible sponsor support of many more groups and non-profits each year.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
17
Years PROVIDING FREE EXAMS
In 2008, 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.
92K+
Animals eyes examined
To date, ACVO Diplomate members have examined more than 92,000 Service and Working animals' eyes.
320
VolunteerISM
On average, over 300 specialists volunteer their time, staff and financial resources to the program annually.