Specialist services

A closer look at our services

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery

A cataract is an opacity within the lens and can cause vision loss. Cataracts can occur in all breeds but in some may be hereditary, developmental or related to systemic disease (like diabetes). There are grades of cataracts, a small amount of cataract may not impact vision but if the cataract is progressing or is complete, surgery is often indicated. In diabetics, cataracts develop in 75% of dogs within the first year of diagnosis, even with good control. Regardless of the cause of cataracts, early surgical intervention maximises the chances of your pet having a good outcome. The only sight restoring treatment for cataracts is phacoemulsification. This is a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic.

Lens luxation surgery

A Lens luxation is where a forward (anterior) or backward (posterior) displacement of the eye's lens occurs. Whilst prevalent in terrier breeds it can occur at any age or in any breed and can happen as a primary condition (hereditary) or secondary to disease like trauma, glaucoma or inflammation. The condition was caused irreversible blindness and in some instances, surgery is recommended to remove the lens. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.

Corneal and conjunctival grafting surgeries

Grafting procedures are used to treat deep corneal ulceration, severe infections, perforations or to replace lost corneal strength when medical treatment alone isn’t sufficient. Depending on the case, either a pet’s own cornea (windscreen of the eye) or conjunctiva (pink tissue of the eye) can be transplanted to restore the eye’s structure and integrity. Surgery is recommended in cases to preserve the eye, restore or maintain vision and reduce pain. Prognosis is generally very good with early intervention.

Glaucoma surgery including gonioimplantation

Glaucoma surgery is recommended in animals where medical treatment fails. The aim is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and relieve pain as well as preserve vision and reduce medication frequency. Two options for surgery are available; the first increases the outflow of fluid from the eye (Gonioimplantation) via a small drainage device or shunt. The second option aims to reduce the fluid production within the eye via cyclophotocoagulation administered via laser. The prognosis for vision and IOP control depends on the cause of glaucoma and time frame in which surgery is performed. If an eye has a very poor prognosis for vision and IOP is not controlled, we do not typically recommend these procedures. Entropion surgery and surgical correction of eyelid conformation problems. The aim of entropion and eyelid conformational surgery is to restore normal eyelid function and prevent or reduce irritation, pain and corneal damage. In some breeds these conditions can be quite common (Bulldogs, Shar Pei’s, pugs). There are many described techniques depending on the position of the abnormality and surgery is tailored to each individual.

Eye removal and ocular prosthesis

Eye removal or ablation procedures are recommended in animals to relieve pain or address severe, untreatable disease (e.g infection, end stage glaucoma or intraocular neoplasia). The two main surgical options include eye removal or ablation/evisceration. Depending on cosmetic requirements ablation or evisceration can be performed to provide a more natural appearance. The aim for each of these procedures is to provide comfort. Not all cases are eligible for ablation/evisceration procedures.

Tumour removal and eyelid reconstruction

Most eyelid tumours are benign (do not spread) in dogs however they can be locally invasive, interfere with eyelid function and cause corneal damage. In cats the reverse is true and any cat with an eyelid mass should be treated aggressively and early. Surgery involves careful excision of the mass and reconstruction to preserver eyelid structure and function. When a tumour is particularly large, reconstruction techniques are required to replace lost eyelid. Prognosis is excellent with early treatment and appropriate surgical technique.

Dry eye surgery including cyclosporin implantation

Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common condition in dogs where the tear glands produce insufficient tears causing irritation, discharge and corneal damage. In some severe cases it can also cause pigment disposition on the surface of the eye and deep corneal ulcerations which can perforate. Often the disease is immune mediated (especially in breeds like Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers and bulldogs). In dogs where the first line treatment is not sufficient (medication) or the disease is particularly advances surgical implantation of a slow-release implant impregnated with medication can provide long term and localised treatment. Prognosis depends in each case, but early intervention can be beneficial at preventing pigment deposition and vision loss.

Vision and retinal function testing

Vision and retinal function testing are used to determine visual function and detect diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve. Basic vision tests are performed within a standard consultation with our Ophthalmologists however in some cases further investigation is recommended. This may include an electroretinogram (ERG) which measures the retinal electrical activity to confirm blindness and its origin or investigate retinal disease like degeneration. Further imaging may also be advised including computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depending on the presentation. Some of these tests are essential for diagnosing disease like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), or inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis).

ACES breeding certificates

ACES (Australian Canine Eye Scheme) eye certificates are official documents issued by registered Veterinary Ophthalmologists to certify eye health of pure-bred dogs. The scheme is designed to screen for inherited eye disease and other ocular conditions that may affect vision, comfort and determine suitability for breeding. In breeds where congenital hereditary eye disease (present at birth) occur, eye testing takes the form of ‘litter screen’ for the specific condition at 6-12 weeks of age. For those conditions not present at birth, examination is recommended at 12 months of age and continues on an annual basis.