–Registration for National Service Animal Eye Exam Event Closes April 30th–  

Brewster, New York–April 3, 2019–Guardian Veterinary Specialists (GVS) will provide free sight-saving eye exams to qualified service and working animals during the month of May. 

Dr. Kyle Tofflemire, a full-time board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at GVS, donates his time and expertise to provide screenings every May during the annual ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. GVS, an advanced 24-hour emergency, critical care, and specialty veterinary hospital, opened one year ago at 4 Hardscrabble Heights in Brewster, NY.

Early detection and management of ocular disease are vital to ensure service and working animals maintain the eyesight necessary to perform their duties effectively. With the aid of specialized ophthalmic equipment, Dr. Tofflemire can detect diseases early and implement management strategies to stop, slow, or reverse progression.  Common conditions identified during screenings include early cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, corneal and conjunctival abnormalities, eyelid problems, and others.

The goal of the National Service Animal Eye Exam Event is to provide as many free exams as possible to active, eligible service and working animals. Active working animals include guide, hearing assistance, drug detection, police/military, search and rescue, therapy and disability assistance animals. 

To qualify, service and working animals must be active in their duties, trained through a formal training program, or currently enrolled in a formal training program. Owners, handlers or agents must first register their animal via an online registration form at www.ACVOeyeexam.org. Registration ends April 30.

Once registered online, the owner, handler or agent will receive a registration number. Then, they may contact GVS to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tofflemire at (914) 704-3400.

The exam will be scheduled for the month of May with appointments filled on a first-come, first served basis. Early registration and appointment scheduling are encouraged. For more information about our specialized Ophthalmology Services visit our website.