CARES takes part in the ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam Event. Registration begins April 1st for May 2010 event.
Langhorne, PA -- She has been blind for 13 years. So, when Lisa Davidson, of Warminster, PA found out about the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam event, she was elated. She completely relies on her guide dog, Eagle for assistance. "I think it's great these animals are being represented because they have a very special job to do," says Ms. Davidson. "Eagle has opened many doors for me, to allow me to become independent. It’s so important that his eyes are working."
And, that's exactly the reason for the event. Guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, police detection dogs and search and rescue dogs selflessly serve the public. So, for the month of May 2010, the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES), in Langhorne, PA, is teaming up with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) to launch the 3rd annual ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event. Dr. Robert Peiffer, a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist at CARES will provide free eye exams to eligible dogs throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. Dr. Peiffer's participation is part of a national effort of more than 150 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists in the U.S. and Canada who will provide free sight-saving eye exams to thousands of service dogs.
Lisa Davidson took Eagle to CARES during 2009's event to get his free eye exam. Dr. Peiffer, examined the 6 year-old black lab/golden retriever mix and gave Eagle a clean bill of health. "In these exams, we hope to identify any health issues in their early stages," says Dr. Peiffer. "Early detection and treatment are the keys to fast recovery."
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2010 EVENT:
To qualify, dogs must be active "working dogs" that were certified by a formal training program or organization or currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Specific service groups are listed on the website at www.ACVOeyeexam.org
Owners/agents for the dog(s) must FIRST register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1, at www.ACVOeyeexam.org Registration ends May 16th. Once registered online, the owner/agent can contact CARES directly to schedule an appointment, during the month of May. The CARES phone number is 215-750-2774. Appointment dates and times are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about and register for the ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam Event, please visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
About the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES):
CARES is a full service specialty referral, emergency and critical care veterinary hospital. Specialty cases are seen by referral from the primary care veterinarian. Specialty services include: Cardiology, Clinical Pathology, Emergency and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Surgery and Client Support. The hospital also offers 24 hour emergency care. CARES has been voted 2008 Neighbors' Choice Award Winner for Best Veterinarian/Animal Hospital in Bucks County. For more information, visit www.vetcares.com
About Dr. Robert Peiffer:
An award winning veterinarian and published author, Dr. Peiffer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, having earned his Bachelor of Science in 1969, his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1971 and a PhD in 1981. He is board certified in veterinary ophthalmology. He has served as President of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology and the International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology. He is a member of CARES' full-time staff.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: The media is invited to interview Dr. Robert L. Peiffer, PhD, DACVO. The media is also welcome to take video/photos of patients undergoing eye exams, both in advance of the events and during the event in May. Please contact Kelly Farnan at 727-709-5252 or Kelly@FetchingCommunications.com to set up an interview.
About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is "to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology." To become board certified a candidate must complete a DVM degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.
The following non-profit organizations have supported the National Service Dog Eye Exam Day: American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians Society, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Association of Detection Dogs, North American Police Dog Association, National Narcotic Detection Dog Association, Patriot Paws Service Dogs, Paws with a Cause, Department of Homeland Security and Service Dogs of America. Organizational support is updated weekly.
- CARES Pet News Channels