Veterinary ophthalmology is a branch, or specialty, of veterinary medicine that studies the health and disease of eyes and vision in animals. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is pleased to offer expert ophthalmology services and procedures for all ocular conditions. Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Patricia Gearhart, is well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular ailments such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or 'dry eye'), cataracts, corneal trauma or ulcers, vision problems, eyelid defects and glaucoma. If treatment is indicated, recommendations will be made regarding medical and/or surgical procedures to help return your pet to optimum health and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Gearhart's skilled technical staff assist her during procedures which utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, gonioscopy, ocular ultrasonography, electroretinography, blood pressure measurement, digital radiography, and computer tomography (CT) scans. Our therapeutic equipment includes cryotherapy, laser therapy, operating microscope, and phacoemulsification.
Finally, as a service to the regional dog-breeding community, Dr. Gearhart offers Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) exams at a discount rate on the first Tuesday of every month. The CERF exam is specifically intended as a screening test for inherited eye problems such as abnormalities of the eyelids, cornea, retina, lens and iris. Conscientious dog breeders utilize CERF test results to select the best candidates for breeding.
Appointments & Patient Forms
If Your Pet is Hospitalized
Learn about our admission policies and communication procedures
Questions About Ophthalmology
- What should I expect during my first visit to the ophthalmologist?
- During your initial appointment, Dr. Gearhart’s ophthalmology technicians will measure tear production, intra-ocular pressure, pupillary light response and will also check for any current corneal ulcers or scratches. Then your pet’s eyes will be dilated, which allows Dr. Gearhart to do a full examination of the lens and retina. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes for the eyes to dilate and they may remain dilated for up to 4-6 hours after the exam. Once the examination is complete, she will explain her findings and discuss all recommendations with you. Our goal is for you to fully understand your pet’s condition and the care that is necessary for a successful outcome.
- My dog (or cat) has been squinting for a few weeks and it is not getting any better. What should I do?
- You should have your pet examined by your regular veterinarian first to check for corneal ulceration or other ophthalmologic problem. When necessary, your veterinarian can refer you to us for an examination.
- My dog is a diabetic and suddenly became blind. My veterinarian has diagnosed him with cataracts. Can you perform cataract surgery?
- Diabetics can develop rapidly forming cataracts that may even form overnight! The cataracts can be surgically removed once the ophthalmologist has determined that your pet is a surgical candidate. Prior to being referred to our ophthalmology service, your regular veterinarian will need to recheck your pet to ensure the diabetes is well managed and that there are no additional health issues.
- What can be done for my dog that constantly has a thick discharge coming from his eyes?
- Oftentimes the thick mucoid discharge that you see is secondary to a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or 'dry eye'. Dry eye can be irritating because the eyes are not producing the liquid portion of the tear film. During your consultation we perform a complete eye examination to determine the correct diagnosis and discuss the treatment options with you.
Brochures
Our Ophthalmology Expertise
- Cataract surgery
- CERF Exams
- Electroretinogram
- Parotid duct transposition
- Grid keratotomy
- Cryoepilation
- Entropion/ectropion correction
- Ocular ultrasounds
- Enucleation
- And more!
Tour Our Ophthalmology Department
Department Hours
Our department hours are
Monday and Tuesdays from 11am-6pm
We offer both recheck and consultations every hour. Surgery times vary; please call our office for more specific times.
Meet Our Ophthalmologist
Patricia Gearhart, Ph.D., DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Dr. Gearhart is a Michigan native, born in the Detroit area. She received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Public Health from Michigan State University in 1986 and her Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1993. She returned to Michigan Sate University to attend veterinary school.