Service dog eye and heart screening day is May 3

Holly Kitchen examines a K9's eyes during the national service dog eye and heart event in 2016.

UF veterinary ophthalmology technician Holly Kitchen examines the eyes of a K9 named Boomer in this file photo. The UF Small Animal Hospital, in collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology and Stokes/Rx, holds the event each year. (Photo by Sarah Carey)

By Sarah Carey

The University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital will offer free eye and heart screenings for service animals May 3 as a part of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists-StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event.

Service animals typically include guide dogs, disability assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and formally trained and certified therapy dogs. Only active working animals that have been certified by or enrolled in a formal training program or organization qualify for the exam.

Dr. Caryn Plummer, an associate professor and board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, will perform the eye examinations. Board-certified veterinary cardiology faculty members will provide the heart screening examinations.

“Healthy eyes and vision are critical for a service animal to be able to perform to the best of its ability. Regular screening may help detect problems early that are potentially sight- or comfort-threatening, so that intervention may be possible,” Plummer said.

If the veterinarians determine further tests are needed, the service animals’ owners will be able to schedule appointments.

Owners or their representatives should call the UF Small Animal Hospital at 352-392-2235 and ask for Holly Kitchen or Katherine Devine of the ophthalmology service to schedule an appointment for the eye and heart evaluations. Appointments will be scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Registration through the sponsor via their website, acvoeyeexam.org, is also required, and takes place between April 1 and April 30.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer these screenings for this incredibly important group of animal heroes,” Plummer said.