The AEC is one of several specialty practices at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialists, located in Shaler Twp (a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA). The doctor and staff's main objective is to provide specialized ophthalmic medical and surgical care for your pet. The AEC accepts patients with a referral from your regular (primary) veterinarian. The only exception being for CERF (ophthalmic screening / certifying exams for breeders) examinations. Once your veterinarian has completed the referral, an ophthalmic examination appointment can be scheduled.

At the AEC, the ophthalmic exam and ancillary test(s) are performed by the veterinary ophthalmologist. There are many components to an ophthalmic examination; such as transillumination, slit lamp biomicroscopy, direct / indirect ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry (pressures readings with the Tonopen), ocular surface staining, and tear levels measurements. Additional ophthalmic tests / procedures may be recommended depending on the patient's ocular condition. These additional diagnostic procedures may include electroretinography (ERG), gonioscopy, globe retropulsion, ocular ultrasonography, tear film break-up times, blood pressure measurements, neuro-ophthalmic testing, and nasolacrimal duct cannulation and irrigation.

After the ophthalmic examination and the ocular disease / condition has been identified, a medical and/or surgical treatment recommendation will be made. Many of the ocular diseases can be treated with medications. The medical treatment may be topical (eye drops and/or ointments), local (subconjunctival or ocular injections), or systemic (oral or injectable medications). Some of the ocular conditions may require surgery. Surgery sometimes requires only sedation and local anesthesia (without putting the patient completely out); and in other cases, general anesthesia will be necessary.