Vermont Veterinary Eye Care

For pet owners across Vermont, encountering a complex eye condition in a beloved animal can be a source of significant worry. While general veterinarians provide excellent primary care, certain specialized conditions demand the expertise of a veterinary ophthalmologist – a highly trained specialist in animal eye health. In Williston, Vermont, Vermont Veterinary Eye Care stands as a crucial resource, offering unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide array of ocular diseases in pets. This article will provide a detailed overview of their specialized services, accessibility, and the compassionate, expert care that makes them a vital part of the Vermont pet healthcare landscape.

Vermont Veterinary Eye Care is a specialized practice dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases and conditions in animals. They are part of Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists (BEVS), which is Vermont's only specialty and 24/7 emergency animal hospital, further solidifying their position as a high-level care provider. This clinic is not a general veterinary practice; rather, it is staffed by highly trained and compassionate board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, such as Dr. Sarah Hoy, DVM, MS, DACVO, and Dr. Courtenay Brines, DVM, MS, DACVO. These specialists bring years of experience and advanced training to their practice, ensuring that pets with the most challenging eye conditions receive precise and effective care. Their mission is to preserve and restore vision, alleviate pain, and improve the overall quality of life for pets suffering from eye ailments, fostering peace of mind for their devoted owners.

The location of Vermont Veterinary Eye Care is highly convenient and accessible for pet owners throughout Vermont and even from neighboring states, especially given the specialized nature of their services. They are situated at 1417 Marshall Ave, Williston, VT 05495, USA. Williston's central position in Chittenden County, near major highways, makes it a strategic hub for specialized veterinary services.

Marshall Avenue is easily reachable, typically with straightforward navigation. For pet owners, especially those traveling long distances, the clinic's accessibility is paramount. As one grateful client noted, even a "five hour round trip" was made worthwhile by the exceptional care received. While an appointment might be sought after a referral from a primary care veterinarian, Vermont Veterinary Eye Care (as part of BEVS) states that no referral is strictly necessary, and they will work seamlessly with your primary vet for continuity of care. This flexibility and central location make it feasible for pets from various parts of Vermont and beyond to access the specialized eye care they need. Ample parking is typically available, reducing any logistical stress upon arrival.

Vermont Veterinary Eye Care offers a comprehensive range of ophthalmology procedures and treatments, covering nearly every aspect of animal eye health. Their specialized focus allows them to provide advanced diagnostics and surgical interventions that are not typically available at a general veterinary practice.

Services Offered:

• Comprehensive Eye Examinations: Thorough assessments of the entire eye structure, including eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve, to diagnose conditions accurately.
• Cataract Surgery with Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation: Advanced surgical correction for cataracts to restore vision.
• Corneal Grafting Surgery: Procedures to repair and reconstruct the cornea in cases of deep ulcers or injuries.
• Eyelid and Corneal Laceration Repair: Surgical repair of traumatic injuries to the eyelids and cornea.
• Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty: Corrective surgeries for eyelid abnormalities such as entropion (inward rolling eyelids) and ectropion (outward rolling eyelids), which can cause discomfort and vision issues.
• Third Eyelid Membrane Surgery (e.g., for "Cherry Eye"): Surgical correction for prolapsed third eyelid glands, a common condition, particularly in certain dog breeds.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Medical and surgical management of glaucoma, including endolaser and transcleral laser procedures, and Ahmed shunt placement, to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
• Distichia and Ectopic Cilia Cryotreatment: Procedures to address abnormally growing eyelashes that irritate the eye.
• Parotid Duct Transposition / Dry Eye Surgery: Surgical options for managing severe dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca - KCS) when medical management is insufficient.
• Enucleation and Exenteration: Surgical removal of the eye when necessary due to severe trauma, untreatable disease, or chronic pain.
• Diagnostic Workups for Blindness: Comprehensive investigations to determine the cause of sudden or gradual vision loss.
• Ocular Oncology: Diagnosis and treatment of eye tumors.
• Medical Management of Eye Conditions: Prescribing and managing topical and systemic medications for various conditions like uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.

What truly sets Vermont Veterinary Eye Care apart and makes them a highly sought-after specialist clinic for pet owners in Vermont are their distinctive features and highlights. These attributes reflect their commitment to excellence and compassionate, specialized care.

Features / Highlights:

• Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists: The clinic is staffed by highly experienced DVMs who are also Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO), signifying the highest level of specialized training and expertise in animal eye care. This ensures the most precise diagnoses and advanced treatments.
• Compassionate and Gentle Care: Clients consistently praise the veterinarians and technicians (like Dr. Brines and Marie, and Dr. Hoy) for treating their pets "so kindly and gently," which is especially crucial for sensitive or anxious animals undergoing eye examinations or procedures.
• Thoroughness and Clear Communication: Owners feel "heard and taken seriously," with the team involving them in discussions and providing clear explanations of diagnoses (like a new diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis) and treatment plans. This transparency builds confidence and reduces "mom stress," as one reviewer noted.
• Ability to Handle Complex Cases: The clinic regularly addresses challenging eye conditions such as uveitis, cherry eye, and entropion, showcasing their advanced capabilities and the specialized nature of their practice.
• Responsive and Accommodating Scheduling: Despite being a specialist clinic, they demonstrate remarkable responsiveness, sometimes fitting in urgent cases quickly due to cancellations, which is invaluable when a pet is in pain or rapidly deteriorating.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: As part of BEVS, they utilize modern equipment and techniques for both diagnosis and surgery, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
• Continuity of Care: While they are specialists, they work in conjunction with primary care veterinarians to ensure seamless and holistic care for the pet.

Contact Information:

Address: 1417 Marshall Ave, Williston, VT 05495, USA

Phone: (802) 404-3937

In conclusion, for pet owners throughout Vermont and beyond, when an animal's eye health requires specialized attention, Vermont Veterinary Eye Care in Williston is the definitive choice. Their unique position as a dedicated veterinary ophthalmology practice, staffed by board-certified experts, ensures that pets receive the most advanced and compassionate eye care available.

Choosing Vermont Veterinary Eye Care means entrusting your beloved animal to a team that consistently earns heartfelt gratitude for their responsiveness, gentle handling, and profound medical knowledge. As demonstrated by the experience of a pet mom traveling five hours for their care, the expertise and kindness provided by Dr. Brines, Dr. Hoy, and their technicians like Marie, truly make the difference. For locals, this clinic is an indispensable specialist resource, ensuring that even the most complex eye conditions are met with the highest standard of care, helping Vermont's pets maintain clear vision and a comfortable life.

Vermont Veterinary Eye Care

1417 Marshall Ave, Williston, VT 05495, USA