AVMA supports annual vision checkup for service animals

— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board has voted unanimously to support the generous outpouring of time and expertise of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), which is sponsoring free eye exams for America’s service dogs.

During the week of May 3, 2009, more than 160 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists will donate their skills to provide eye examinations to service dogs across the United States and Canada. These exams will be provided free to service dog owners or agents during this event. The charitable event was launched and is continued by ACVO members.

“The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is proud to offer these eye exams to service dogs. It is our way of saying thank you to these canine heroes who work so hard to help so many,” explains Dr. Bill Miller of the ACVO.

“I know that every member of the AVMA believes strongly that anything veterinarians can do to support the service dog community will come back tenfold in the dedication these dogs and their owners have to serving humanity,” explains Dr. James O. Cook, AVMA president. “It’s anticipated that these free eye exams will help prevent diseases in these animals that serve such an important role in the lives of their owners and society. Service dogs are one of the finest examples of how animals improve the lives of people.”

A service dog is a dog that has been expertly trained to support some segment of society with a special need. This includes service to those people with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairment, search and rescue animals, police dogs, and dogs who perform duties in the service of their country—military dogs—many of whom are now or will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information, please visit www.avma.org or http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/