UF Small Animal Hospital to offer free eye exams to service dogs May 14

The University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital will offer free screening eye examinations to service dogs May 14 as a part of the 3rd Annual ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam event.

Service dog groups include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs and formally trained and certified therapy dogs.

Only active working dogs that have been certified by a formal training program or organization, or that are currently enrolled in a formal training program, qualify to receive the exam.

Caryn Plummer, D.V.M., an assistant professor and board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at UF, will provide the examinations.

“Healthy eyes and vision are critical for a service dog to be able to perform to the best of its ability,” Plummer said. “Regular screening may help detect problems early that are potentially sight or comfort threatening so that intervention may be possible.”

Owners or their representatives must first fill out a registration form online at www.acvoeyeexam.org. Then owners or their representatives must contact UF’s small animal hospital at 352-392-2235 to schedule an appointment.

Callers should ask to speak to Lisa Bessent, the hospital’s ophthalmology technician, or leave a message requesting a callback for scheduling.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this screening for this incredibly important group of canine heroes,” Plummer said.