Veterinary Ophthalmology

A prompt and efficient referral service for all types of eye diseases in small animals

Eye diseases are common in small animals, and as a pet owner, you may already be aware of how they can affect your pet. Our Ophthalmology team are kept busy treating conditions like cataracts, corneal ulcers, entropion (in-turning of the eyelids), dry eye, inflammation of the eye, glaucoma, tumours and retinal diseases. 

Davies offers a prompt and efficient, specialist-led, pet ophthalmology referral service.  Our veterinary ophthalmologists are specifically trained to investigate, diagnose, manage and treat medical, surgical and hereditary conditions affecting your pet’s eyes.  These conditions may manifest in a variety of ways including visual problems, ocular pain, abnormal discharge or a changed appearance in, on, or around the eye.   

Specialist Pet Ophthalmology Care

Our team of veterinary ophthalmologists, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and advanced surgical facilities, is equipped to manage a wide range of medical and surgical eye conditions in dogs and cats. At your pet’s initial consultation, our veterinary ophthalmologists will determine the nature of their condition by performing a full comprehensive ophthalmic examination, where they can then discuss in detail the management options available.   

Pet ophthalmic conditions are often related to illness or disease elsewhere in your pet’s body.  Being a multi-disciplinary hospital we also have the benefit of additional on-site support across a wide range of veterinary specialities enabling us to provide an all-encompassing, tailor-made plan for your individual pet’s needs.   

We love nothing more than seeing the joy for both pet and owner when a small animal’s vision is repaired or restored. 

 Common Eye Conditions in Pets that We Can Help 

Our veterinary ophthalmology team often treat a range of eye diseases, from cataract removal to more complex eye conditions. They include: 

• Cataract Removal: Cataract removal is a common issue in pets, often due to inherited, old age, or disease-related causes. Early referral to a veterinary ophthalmology specialist is recommended for all cataract assessments. 

• Glaucoma: A painful and potentially blinding condition, the glaucoma causes pressure inside the pet’s eyes, causing optic nerve damage. The symptoms include a ‘blue’ appearance to the eye, redness, dilated pupils, and even sudden blindness. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better chances to treat and manage the condition. 

• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the dry eye is commonly known to cause scratchy and irritated eyes, sticky and grey discharge from one or both eyes and recurrent conjunctivitis. As well as any other condition, the sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.  

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Contact your regular veterinarian for a referral to the Davies pet ophthalmologist team, or for a pet referral, please use our referral form, or call us for any questions. 

 Davies Veterinary Ophthalmology Services and Surgeries 

At Davies Veterinary Specialists, we perform all types of extraocular and intraocular surgery. You can access free downloadable fact sheets on our website to learn more about the following conditions and treatments:

• Cataract surgery 

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“Dry Eye”) 

• Conditions of the Third Eyelid 

• Corneal grafts 

• Distichiasis or “Extra eyelashes”  

• Enucleation 

• Glaucoma 

• How you can help your blind dog 

• Living with a blind cat 

• Lens luxation 

• Non-healing (“indolent”) corneal ulcers in dogs 

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) 

• Retinal Detachment 

Our Veterinary Ophthalmology Expertise 

As one of the largest veterinary referral centres in the UK, we are proud to offer unparalleled expertise in pet ophthalmology care. At our practice, we can offer consultations across a variety of services, whilst offering a collaborative and friendly approach to suit all patients’ needs and requirements. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s eyes please contact your regular veterinary practice in the first instance who can then contact us to arrange a referral.   

Related Links

Eye Specialist Vet | Small Animal Referral Centre | Pet Hospital Hertfordshire