Ophthalmology

Overview

Ophthalmology is a specialised area of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the eyes. More specifically, conditions that affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal apparatus and orbital content (the globe and adnexa).

Endika Garcia, a dedicated RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology, leads the ophthalmology service at ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists.

Our facilities include:

• A 1.5T MRI, a state-of-the-art CT scanner
• Digital radiography
• High-end ultrasound units
• An in-house laboratory with a cytology microscope. 

We collaborate extensively with other services within the hospital to optimise patient care. This is particularly important for ophthalmology patients as many eye conditions affect one or more of the body’s systems (systemic disease). If your pet requires a general anaesthetic or sedation, they will receive the highest level of care as we provide a specialist-led anaesthesia service.

What can we do?

We can investigate and treat most conditions that affect your pet’s ocular health. As a multidisciplinary hospital, we have the advantage of being able to consult with specialists in different fields when a case requires a more comprehensive approach (e.g. neurology, internal medicine, anaesthesia and cardiology).

Every patient will receive a full ophthalmic examination and tests such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI, gonioscopy, fundoscopy or cytology can be performed where necessary.

Our team can offer a wide range of treatments for eye conditions, including:

• Cryotherapy
• Corrective lid surgery
• Rhytidectomy
• Nasal fold ablation
• Cherry eye and scrolled cartilage
• Keratotomy
• Keratectomy
• Pedicle conjunctival graft
• Corneo-conjunctival transposition
• Bioimplants for corneal reconstruction
• Glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring
• Management of dry eye (KCS) and neurological dry eye
• Retro-bulbar disease investigation and treatment
• Cataract assessment
• Intracapsular lens extraction.

What will happen when I come for an appointment?

During the initial 60-minute appointment, you will be able to discuss all your concerns with our Ophthalmologist. Following a thorough history and full examination of your pet, we will go through all the possible causes for your pet’s condition, and the diagnostic and treatment options available.

We will explain all the advantages and disadvantages of the different options and associated costs, so that you can make an informed decision of what you think is best for your pet.

Most cases are diagnosed with tests performed during the consultation, or on the same day with a discharge in the afternoon. Discharges will be done later in the day if intensive monitoring, treatment, advanced techniques, sedation, or anaesthesia is required. Following the visit, we will keep in touch and provide ongoing support to you and your vet to ensure your pet’s illness is managed appropriately.

For the treatment of most ophthalmological conditions, your pet will be prescribed eye drops; our team will explain the best techniques to apply them and will answer any questions you might have.

Cat-friendly ophthalmology clinic

We are particularly proud of our cat-friendly ophthalmology clinic, which focuses on the specific needs of our feline patients. Cats are often anxious patients, but we take great care to perform our investigations calmly and slowly. As a result, it is extremely rare for us to sedate our feline patients.