Our board-certified veterinary ophthalmology teams provide specialized diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment for a wide range of eye conditions affecting vision, comfort, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision, reduce pain, and improve outcomes for your pet.
Our ophthalmology team works closely with your family veterinarian to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for your pet.
What is a Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialist?
A Veterinary Ophthalmologist is a veterinarian who has completed extensive, specialized training focused solely on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in animals. To earn this title they must complete several additional years of internship and residency training. After this training they must pass a rigorous set of examinations to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). This advanced training provides them with the in-depth knowledge, precise surgical skills, and access to specialized equipment necessary to provide the highest standard of Veterinary Ophthalmology care for your pet.
Why Might Your Pet Be Referred to Us?
Most pets are referred to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist by their primary care veterinarian. Your family vet is in the best position to perform an initial examination and determine if a referral to a specialist is the right course of action for your pet’s specific condition.
Your appointment with our ophthalmology team will involve a comprehensive eye examination, often using specialized equipment to look at the structures of the eye in great detail. After a thorough assessment, our specialist will discuss the findings with you, explain your pet’s condition in terms you can understand, and recommend the best treatment options available.
Our goal is simple: to preserve or restore vision, treat painful eye conditions, and provide you with a clear diagnosis and a compassionate care plan.
Common Eye Conditions We Treat
Eyelid and Periocular Conditions
- Eyelid Tumors, Cysts
- Conjunctival Tumors, Cysts
- Blepharitis
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Distichiasis/Trichiasis
- Ectopic Cilia
- Eyelid Agenesis
- Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitating Membrane (“Cherry Eye”)
- Scrolled Third Eyelid Cartilage
- Third Eyelid Tumors, Cysts
- Dry Eye (KCS) and Evaporative Dry Eye Disease (EDED)
Corneal and Scleral Conditions
- Corneal Ulceration
- Corneal Infection
- Corneal Inflammation, Scarring, Pigmentation
- Pannus and Chronic Superficial Keratitis
- Plasmoma
- Dermoid
- Descemetocele
- Corneal Perforation
- Episcleritis, Episclerokeratitis, Scleritis
- Epibulbar Melanoma
Orbital Conditions
- Retrobulbar Abscess, Cellulitis, Tumor, Foreign Body, Cyst
- Nasolacrimal Duct Inflammation, Infection, Stricture, Foreign Body, Cyst
Intraocular Disease
- Cataracts
- Lens Luxation or Subluxation
- Iris Freckle, Nevus, Tumor, Melanosis, Melanoma
- Uveitis
- Pigmentary Uveitis, Golden Retriever Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Vitritis
Retina and Optic Nerve Conditions
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Retinal Degeneration
- Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS)
- Retinal Detachment
- Optic Neuritis
Services We Offer
Diagnostic Services
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy (Kowa SL-19)
- Indirect Ophthalmoscopy (Keeler Indirect Vantage Plus Wireless)
- Tonometry (TonoPen Avia VET and iCare TonoVet PRO)
- Nasolacrimal Duct Irrigation
- Specialized Ophthalmic Tissue Biopsy
Medical and Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Chemical Cyst Ablation
- Cidofovir Ciliary Body Ablation
- Diode Laser Therapy for Iris Pigmentation
- Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Therapy for Glaucoma
- Laser Ablation for Iris Nevi, Iris Melanosis, Iris Melanoma, Eyelid Tumors
- Subconjunctival Implants for Glaucoma
- Subconjunctival Implants for Pannus and Dry Eye
Eyelid and Periocular Surgery
- Eyelid Mass Debulking with adjunctive Electrocautery and Cryotherapy
- Periocular Mass Excision with adjunctive Electrocautery or Cryotherapy
- An-AlayVet SG 24 Eyelid Filler for Entropion
Corneal and Ocular Surface Surgery
- Keratectomy
- Conjunctival Biopsy
- Conjunctival Graft
- Corneoconjunctival Transposition
- Corneal Synthetic Grafting
Intraocular Surgery
- Iris Mass Excision/Biopsy
- Enucleation with or without orbital conformer
- Intrascleral Prosthesis Placement (ISP)
Glaucoma Treatment
- Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Therapy for Glaucoma
- Gonioimplantation for Glaucoma
- Subconjunctival Implants for Glaucoma
Cataract Surgery
- Same Day Cataract Surgery with Artificial Intraocular Lens Implantation
- Bausch + Lomb Stellaris Elite Phacoemulsification
Retinal Procedures
- Barrier Retinopexy for Retinal Detachment and Prophylactic Retinopexy
- Therapeutic and Diagnostic Vitrectomy
Advanced Technology
- Zeiss Visu Surgical Microscopy
- Keeler Cryomatic Cryotherapy
- FOX 810nm Diode Laser
What to Expect
Our ophthalmology specialists use advanced diagnostic equipment not typically available in primary care veterinary practices. Depending on your pet’s condition, diagnostic testing may include:
Following the examination, we will discuss findings, treatment recommendations, and any surgical or medical options that may benefit your pet. A detailed report will be provided to both you and your primary care veterinarian.
Clinical Trials
Our ophthalmology service at Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital may offer access to ongoing clinical trials, including studies evaluating new treatments for Dry Eye Disease. Eligibility requirements apply.
Meet Our Veterinary Ophthalmology Team
Our compassionate team is led by board-certified specialists dedicated to your pet’s vision and comfort.
Amanda Corr
VMD, DACVO®
MVA
Chloe Spertus
DVM, DACVO®
MVA
Elizabeth Lutz
DVM, MS, DACVO
HVSH
If you are concerned about your pet’s eye health, please talk to your primary veterinarian about a referral to one of our specialty ophthalmology department at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates.