Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology examines the anatomy, function and disease of the eye, and the Ophthalmology department at The Hope Center is dedicated to increasing the comfort and visual ability of pets. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Adkins, the department utilizes advanced techniques and equipment to cure a wide variety of ocular problems due to defect, disease or trauma.

The Ophthalmology department at The Hope Center is available Monday – Thursday, 7am-5pm. Doctors are available for emergencies through the Emergency Department as indicated.

Some of the most common procedures performed include repairs of eyelid abnormalities, glaucoma therapy, surgical repair of corneal ulcerations and perforations, and cataract surgery.

Services

Our Ophthalmology department offers a wide variety of medical and surgical options for improving the health and function of the eye. A number of these procedures are detailed below.

Extraocular

• Surgical correction of eyelid and eyelash defects
• Tumor resection
• Replacement of prolapsed 3rd eyelid gland (cherry eye)
• Enucleation (removal of eye) and evisceration (placement of globe prosthesis)
• Treatment of non-healing corneal ulcers
• Laser treatment and surgery for glaucoma
• Conjunctival grafts for deep or infected corneal ulcers
• Direct corneal suturing for corneal laceration

Intraocular

• Laser destruction of iris cysts
• Retinal laser or cryopexy for retinal tears
• Cataract surgery including intraocular lens replacement
• Removal of luxated lens

Medical Management

• Diseases leading to severe discomfort or blindness
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS or dry eye)
• Uveitis
• Glaucoma
• Retinal Detachment
• Optic Neuritis

OFA Eye Registery Exams

• Find more information at The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Eye Certification Registry.

CERF Exams

• Find more information at The National CERF Website.

Staff

Ophthalmology Veterinarians

• Elizabeth Adkins, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO

  
  Dr. Elizabeth Adkins, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, became the head of The Hope Center Ophthalmology Department in May of 2009. She joined The Hope Center after serving as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin for two years. From 2004-2007 Dr. Adkins practiced in Massachusetts and Illinois. Dr. Adkins is a graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and returned there for her residency program after receiving a Master’s degree in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (concentration area: Pharmacology) from North Carolina State University.

  In addition to being a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Dr Adkins is also a member of National Shiba Club of America. Dr. Adkins has three Shiba Inus, including one from Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue. Dr. Adkins also consults at the National Zoo.

  Dr. Adkins is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Technical Staff

• Kirsten Krivonak, LVT
• Erin Linares, LVT
• Stacy Vaka, LVT

Ophthalmology Front Desk Staff

• Michael Norris
• Sarah Hoffer