Advanced Eye Care for Dogs and Cats
in Charlottesville, VA
Your pet's vision plays an important role in their comfort, confidence, and quality of life. At Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency (VVSE) in Charlottesville, VA, we offer advanced veterinary ophthalmology services for dogs and cats experiencing eye conditions, vision changes, injuries, or chronic ocular disease.
Our ophthalmology service is led by Dr. Sara Smith, Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, who provides specialized diagnostics, medical management, and surgical treatment for a wide range of eye conditions. Working closely with your family veterinarian, our team delivers comprehensive eye care designed to protect and preserve your pet's vision whenever possible.
Whether your pet is experiencing redness, discharge, squinting, cloudiness, vision loss, or a more complex eye disorder, VVSE is here to help.
Eye Conditions We Diagnose & Treat
Our ophthalmology service provides evaluation and treatment for many common and complex eye conditions, including:
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Uveitis
Dry Eye (KCS)
Corneal ulcers & injuries
Entropion and ectropion
chronic eye infections
Eyelid abnormalities
Cherry Eye
Conjunctivitis
Ocular trauma
Retinal disease
Sudden Vision Loss
Eye tumors
Eye Growths
Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Services
We utilize specialized ophthalmic equipment and techniques to accurately diagnose and treat eye disease in pets.
Services may include:
- Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations
- Intraocular pressure testing
- Corneal staining and evaluation
- Tear production testing
- Ocular ultrasound
- Medical management of eye disease
- Cataract evaluations
- Surgical correction of eyelid abnormalities
- Corneal and ocular surface procedures
- Other advanced ophthalmic surgeries as recommended
When Should My Pet See a Veterinary Ophthalmologist?
You should seek specialized eye care if your pet is experiencing:
- Red or inflamed eyes
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Squinting or keeping an eye closed
- Cloudiness or changes in eye appearance
- Vision loss or difficulty navigating
- Eye pain or rubbing at the face
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Chronic or recurring eye problems
Prompt evaluation is important, as many eye conditions can worsen quickly and may threaten vision if left untreated.
Ophthalmology Services
Referrals and Appointments
Many patients are referred by their primary care veterinarian, but ophthalmology consultations may also be recommended for ongoing eye concerns requiring specialty evaluation.
To learn more about our ophthalmology services or schedule an appointment, contact our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer everything from normal Routine wellness care, to 24-hour emergency surgery that is tailored to your pet and their needs.
Veterinary ophthalmology is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the eyes and surrounding structures in animals.
Some eye conditions, such as deep corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or trauma, are medical emergencies. Delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss. If your pet is in pain or has sudden vision changes, contact us immediately.
Your pet’s comfort is our priority. We use safe anesthesia protocols and comprehensive pain management to ensure minimal discomfort during and after procedures.
Recovery depends on the condition and treatment. Minor issues may improve within days, while surgical cases may require several weeks of monitored healing and follow-up visits.