UVS Participates in ACVO/Stokes Rx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event 2015
June 2nd, 2015 | Posted in General
In May 2015, Upstate Veterinary Specialties participated in the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. This is the fourth year UVS has participated in the event, which aims to provide as many free screening exams as possible to eligible Service Animals across the United States and Canada.
To qualify for a free eye exam, service animals had to be active working animals that had completed or were currently completing formal training to become certified service animals. Animals who received free screenings throughout the month of May included guide, handicapped assistance, detection, military, search and rescue and registered therapy animals.
Dr. Christa Corbett and the ophthalmology team at UVS provided free eye exams to many dogs throughout the month of May, including a number of service dogs from the Empire Service Dog Program. These dogs are highly trained service dogs partnered with individuals with physical disabilities in the Capital District of Upstate NY. They are trained to assist with many tasks, from turning light switches on and off and opening and closing doors to assisting those with limited mobility by providing balance support and pulling wheelchairs.
Dr. Corbett realizes first-hand the benefits service animals provide and the important role they play in our society. Her Labrador, “Frankie,” was originally trained as a service dog and is now a working therapy dog. She was excited to once again participate in this annual event and provide screenings to numerous service dogs to verify their ocular health and/or identify ocular diseases which could hinder their service careers.
For more information about the veterinary ophthalmology services provided at Upstate Veterinary Specialties, visit our page about specialty eye care for pets. To learn more about the ACVO/Stokes Rx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event, visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
