ISU College of Veterinary Medicine Offering Free Eye Exams for Service Dogs During May
Date:
March 31, 2010 Contacts:
Dr. R. David Whitley, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, (515) 294-4900
Dr. Dan Betts, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, (515) 294-4900
Dr. Sinisa Grozdanic, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, (515) 294-4900
Ms. Tracy Ann Raef, Veterinary Communications, (515) 294-4602
AMES, Iowa – The Dr. W. Eugene and Linda Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University will provide free, eye exams to eligible service dogs – a $120 value at Iowa State -- during the month of May.The Lloyd VMC is one of many veterinary clinics in the United States and Canada that will participate in the third national service-dog eye exam event organized through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. This public service event pays tribute to the service dogs that help humans in numerous roles every day. For these dogs, eyesight is critical.
In 2009, more than 150 board-certified ophthalmologists provided free, sight-preserving exams to more than 1,500 service dogs, providing more than $500,000 worth of services. This year, more than 160 ophthalmologists will donate their services. The free exams at the Lloyd VMC will be provided by specialists in the veterinary ophthalmology section.
To be eligible for the free eye exams, dogs must be active working dogs (guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs and formally trained and certified therapy dogs) that have been certified through a formal training program. To find out if a dog qualifies and to register for a free eye exam, please visit the ACVO Web site at www.ACVOeyeexam.org. Owners/handlers can register via the ACVO Web site April 1 through May 16. After registering, owners/handlers can make an appointment by calling (515) 294-4900.
Appointments are limited and will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
