Early screening for potentially life-threating eye conditions is what drives the annual National Service Animal Eye Exam Event every May.
The Epicur Pharma-sponsored program enlisted over 270 diplomates from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) across 200 cities in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Hong Kong to conduct veterinary eye exams. Among the animals served at the event include those that provide the following services: guide, hearing assistance, drug detection, police/military, search and rescue, therapy, and those assisting people with disabilities other than blindness.
“We are thrilled to have served over 5,250 Service and Working Animals with free, potentially life-saving eye exams,” says ACVO executive director Stacee Daniel. “This event would not be possible without our Diplomates and their amazing staff, who we cannot thank enough for their donated time and dedication to helping Service and Working Animals that work so hard for us.”
Among the canines served at this year’s ACVO event was search and rescue dog Ry, previously treated by ophthalmologists at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for an iris mass that was suspected to be cancerous. As part of the treatment, one of Ry’s eyes was removed. At this year’s event, the one-eyed search and rescue dog was found to be cancer-free.
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