Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine offers free eye exams for service dogs
April 28, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on May 12 will offer free eye exams for certified service dogs through the ophthalmology service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
"Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals," said Wendy Townsend, assistant professor of veterinary ophthalmology. "Our hope is that by checking their vision early and often, we will be able to help a large number of service animals better assist their human companions."
To qualify for the free exam, dogs must be certified, actively working or currently enrolled in a formal training program. Types of working dogs that would be eligible include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, and those used by police and fire departments for detection and search and rescue.
A limited number of appointments are available and are filled on a first-come basis. For more information, visit http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/.
This free service is being offered as part of the seventh annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event, during which ACVO ophthalmologists donate their time to provide screening to qualified service dogs. The ACVO is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialists and is recognized by the American Veterinarian Medical Association.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is part of the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, which opened in 1959. The hospital provides services to both large and small animals and is the only veterinary teaching hospital in Indiana. The hospital serves as a full-service veterinary medical referral center, providing specialty services that include, but are not limited to, ophthalmology, internal medicine, surgery, emergency and wellness care.
Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu
Sources: Wendy Townsend, 765-494-1107, townsenw@purdue.edu
Kevin Doerr, 765-494-8216, doerrkr@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Journalists interested in covering the free exams event should contact Kevin Doerr, director of alumni relations and public affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine, at 765-494-8216, doerrk@purdue.edu
