Veterinary Ophthalmology Services

As pet owners in Tennessee, we all want the very best for our beloved companions, especially when it comes to their health. Just like humans, our furry (and feathered, and scaly!) friends can experience a range of eye conditions, from minor irritations to complex diseases that threaten their vision and quality of life. That’s where specialized veterinary care becomes invaluable. In the heart of Nashville, a dedicated team is committed to providing top-tier eye care for animals: Veterinary Ophthalmology Services.

Veterinary Ophthalmology Services (VOS) has been a trusted name in Middle Tennessee and surrounding states for over 20 years, offering advanced diagnostic and surgical treatments for pets with eye issues. This AAHA-accredited specialty referral practice works hand-in-hand with your primary veterinarian to ensure your pet receives comprehensive and integrated care. They see a wide variety of animals, including small animals, exotics, and even wildlife, showcasing their broad expertise in animal ophthalmology.

The importance of specialized eye care for pets cannot be overstated. Animals can't tell us when their vision is blurry or when they're experiencing discomfort. This is why having access to a facility like VOS, with its dedicated focus on ocular health, is a significant advantage for pet owners across Tennessee. From routine eye exams to complex surgical interventions, they are equipped to handle a diverse array of conditions, helping to preserve sight and improve the overall well-being of countless animals.

One of the most remarkable aspects of VOS, often highlighted by grateful pet parents, is their compassionate approach. When a pet faces a serious eye condition, it can be a worrying time for their human family. The team at VOS understands this deeply, providing not only expert medical care but also vital support and clear communication throughout the treatment process. This combination of advanced medical expertise and genuine empathy makes them a standout choice for specialized veterinary ophthalmology.

Whether your pet is showing subtle signs of eye discomfort or requires advanced surgical intervention, understanding the specialized services available to you in Tennessee is key to making informed decisions about their health. Veterinary Ophthalmology Services stands as a pillar of advanced pet eye care, offering hope and healing to animals and peace of mind to their owners.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, Veterinary Ophthalmology Services is situated at 4344 Kenilwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37204, USA. This central location makes it accessible for pet owners not only within Nashville but also from surrounding areas across Middle Tennessee and even neighboring states. The clinic's presence in a well-established part of the city ensures ease of access for appointments, which is especially important when dealing with a pet's health concerns.

Nashville's infrastructure provides relatively straightforward navigation to the clinic, whether you are coming from local neighborhoods or traveling from further afield. While specific directions will depend on your starting point, general accessibility to this area of Nashville is good, often involving major roads that lead into the city. For those unfamiliar with the area, using GPS or online mapping services with the provided address will guide you directly to the facility. The clinic also offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet, and parking, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

The clinic’s operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This consistent schedule allows for predictable scheduling of appointments and follow-ups. While VOS operates primarily on an appointment basis, they are also equipped to handle emergency cases throughout the day, recognizing that urgent situations can arise unexpectedly. For scheduled clients, it is generally recommended to set aside an hour to an hour and a half for initial exams, and 30 minutes to an hour for follow-up appointments, allowing ample time for thorough assessment and discussion. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available while you wait, adding to the comfort of your visit.

Services Offered

Veterinary Ophthalmology Services provides a comprehensive range of eye care services for a wide variety of animals. Their offerings are designed to diagnose, treat, and manage various ocular conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. Here's a detailed look at the services they offer:

• Comprehensive Ophthalmic Exams: These exams involve a thorough evaluation of your pet's eyes and visual system. Standard tests include Schirmer tear test (to measure tear production), tonometry (to measure intraocular pressure for glaucoma screening), and fluorescein staining (to check for corneal ulcers). If problems are identified, the team provides clear options and recommendations, which may involve medical and/or surgical procedures to help restore your pet's health and quality of life.
• Diagnostic Testing: For many complex eye problems, further diagnostic evaluation is necessary. VOS offers advanced testing procedures that may require a few hours of stay or mild sedation. These include Electroretinography (ERG) for retinal function assessment (useful for diagnosing conditions like Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) and immune-mediated retinitis), high-resolution B-scan ocular ultrasonography for internal eye structure evaluation, and ophthalmography for detailed imaging of the anterior segment and fundus. Doppler blood pressure measurement is also available.
• Eye Certification (CAER) Exams: These exams are specifically for purebred dogs and screen for hereditary eye diseases and abnormalities. The results are crucial for breeders to produce healthier dogs and are submitted to the OFA CAER (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals' Companion Animal Eye Registry) to track eye disease trends and breed susceptibilities. VOS prefers dogs to be at least 8 weeks old for these exams.
• Ophthalmic Surgery: VOS is highly skilled in a wide array of ocular surgeries. All new patients undergo an initial examination prior to any surgical procedures being recommended or scheduled. All surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. Common surgical procedures include:
  • Cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation: A frequently performed procedure to restore vision in pets affected by cataracts, utilizing species-specific lens sizes and refractive powers.
  • Lens removal for luxations: Addressing dislocated lenses within the eye.
  • Glaucoma procedures: Including gonioimplantation and endoscopic laser cyclophotocoagulation to manage elevated intraocular pressure.
  • Corneal procedures: Such as keratotomy using grid or diamond burr for superficial chronic corneal erosions in dogs, keratectomy, corneal laceration repair, conjunctival graft, corneoscleral transposition, and corneal transplantation for structural support.
  • Eyelid surgeries: Including repair of prolapsed gland of the nictating membrane (cherry eye) and/or everted cartilage repair, dermoid removal, ectopic cilia excision, and blepharoplasty (e.g., entropion/ectropion surgery, H-plasty, Z-plasty). Eyelid reconstruction is also performed.
  • Tumor and mass removal: Excision of ocular tumors or masses.
  • Enucleation with placement of intraorbital silicone prosthesis: Surgical removal of the eye when necessary, with cosmetic prosthesis placement.
  • Ocular evisceration with placement of an intrascleral prosthesis.
  • Cryotherapy: The therapeutic use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue.
  • Foreign body removal.
  • Laser therapy for uveal melanomas and retinopexy.
  • Parotid duct transposition for medically refractory KCS (dry eye).
• Medical Management of Eye Conditions: Beyond surgery, VOS provides ongoing medical management for chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS), and various inflammatory conditions. This includes prescribing medicated eye drops, ointments, and oral medications, as well as developing long-term care plans to maintain ocular health and improve quality of life.

Features / Highlights

Veterinary Ophthalmology Services stands out in the realm of pet eye care due to several key features and highlights that underscore their commitment to excellence and compassionate service:

• Specialized Expertise: As a dedicated veterinary ophthalmology practice, VOS offers a level of expertise not typically found in general veterinary clinics. Their veterinarians are board-certified ophthalmologists who have undergone extensive training specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of animal eye diseases. This specialized knowledge ensures that your pet receives the most accurate diagnoses and advanced treatments available.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: The clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and surgical equipment, similar to what human ophthalmologists use. This includes slit lamp biomicroscopes, various tonometry devices, ocular ultrasonography, and advanced microsurgical instruments for delicate eye procedures like phacoemulsification for cataracts and laser surgery.
• Collaborative Care Approach: VOS emphasizes working closely with referring veterinarians. While a referral is not mandatory, they prefer that pets be evaluated by their primary veterinarian first for eye problems that may require their specialized services. This collaborative model ensures a seamless transition of care and a comprehensive approach to your pet's health.
• Compassionate and Supportive Staff: Numerous client testimonials highlight the kindness, thoroughness, and supportive nature of the entire VOS team, from the front desk administrators to the vet techs and doctors. They are known for truly caring about the pets' recovery and quality of life, as well as providing clear explanations and guidance to pet owners. For example, one client praised them for being "incredible every step of the way" and "supportive and knowledgeable and truly care about her recovery and quality of life," after her dog's cataract surgery, expressing immense gratitude "for their kindness and for giving my dog her vision back."
• Successful Surgical Outcomes: The practice has a strong track record of successful surgical interventions, including complex procedures like cataract removal and entropion repair. Customer reviews frequently highlight the positive long-term results, such as restored vision and fully healed eyes, demonstrating the effectiveness of their surgical expertise. Another satisfied client noted how both her Maine Coon kittens had successful entropion surgeries, with their eyes "almost totally healed" a few months later, specifically commending that "everyone is so kind and thorough!"
• AAHA Accreditation: Veterinary Ophthalmology Services is an AAHA-accredited specialty referral practice. This accreditation signifies that the clinic meets the highest standards in veterinary medicine, covering areas such as patient care, facility, equipment, and staff training. This provides an additional layer of assurance regarding the quality of care your pet will receive. Only a small percentage of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada achieve this voluntary accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
• Care for a Variety of Animals: Beyond traditional companion animals like dogs and cats, VOS extends its specialized eye care to exotic pets and even wildlife. This broad scope of practice makes them a unique and invaluable resource for a diverse range of pet owners and rescue organizations across the region. They have experience treating a wide array of conditions common in many species, demonstrating their extensive knowledge base.
• Service Animal Discounts: VOS recognizes the invaluable contributions of service animals. They offer discounted eye examinations (excluding additional procedures and medications) for registered service animals throughout the year. They also participate in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) National Service Animal Eye Exam event, offering free eye examinations to registered service animals during the month of May for those who register through the ACVO.

Contact Information

If you are a pet owner in Tennessee and believe your animal companion could benefit from specialized eye care, or if you are a referring veterinarian, here's how you can get in touch with Veterinary Ophthalmology Services:

Address: 4344 Kenilwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37204, USA

Phone: (615) 690-9399

Mobile Phone: +1 615-690-9399

For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, the friendly and professional staff are available during business hours to provide information about their services and assist you with your pet's eye care needs. It is advisable to call ahead to discuss your pet's specific condition and to understand any preparation required for your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners across Tennessee, Veterinary Ophthalmology Services in Nashville stands as an exceptional resource for specialized animal eye care. What makes VOS particularly suitable for locals is its unique combination of advanced medical expertise, comprehensive service offerings, and a truly compassionate approach to patient and client care.

Firstly, the sheer depth of their specialization in veterinary ophthalmology means that your pet's intricate eye conditions are being addressed by highly trained professionals. Unlike a general vet clinic, VOS focuses solely on ocular health, possessing the specific diagnostic tools, surgical capabilities, and up-to-date knowledge required for even the most challenging eye diseases. This ensures that pets in Tennessee have access to cutting-edge treatments, from complex cataract surgeries to nuanced glaucoma management, right within their reach, without the need to travel far for highly specialized care.

Secondly, the positive experiences shared by numerous local pet owners underscore the clinic's commitment to both excellent outcomes and empathetic interactions. Testimonials frequently praise the entire staff for their kindness, thoroughness, and genuine care for the animals’ well-being. This creates a supportive environment during what can often be a stressful time for pets and their families. Knowing that your beloved companion will be treated with such dedication and understanding is a significant comfort for any pet owner, making the journey to VOS a worthwhile one.

Moreover, VOS’s collaborative approach with primary care veterinarians is a major benefit. This ensures that specialized eye care is seamlessly integrated into your pet’s overall health plan, fostering continuity and comprehensive well-being. The AAHA accreditation further solidifies their standing as a top-tier facility, meeting rigorous standards that translate directly into high-quality care for your pet, mirroring the best practices in human healthcare.

In essence, if you're a Tennessee resident concerned about your pet's vision or eye health, Veterinary Ophthalmology Services offers a trusted, local solution. Their proven expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a heartfelt commitment to both animal and owner welfare make them an invaluable asset to the pet-loving community. By choosing VOS, you are entrusting your pet's precious eyesight to a team that is not only highly skilled but also deeply dedicated to enhancing their quality of life, helping them to see a brighter future.

Veterinary Ophthalmology Services

4344 Kenilwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37204, USA