OPHTHALMOLOGY
SERVICES
The Ophthalmology Department at CEVET receives patients by appointment on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Patients that are candidates for surgery can be admitted for surgery the next day.
Ophthalmologic surgeries are performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments with Dr. Bras in the Ophthalmology Department can be made by calling the reception desk at (787) 708-4545.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give us a 24-hour notice. We will be happy to reschedule.
Your Pet's First Visit
When you arrive at CEVET, you will be greeted by one of our receptionists who will assist you in completing the registration form. You can download the registration form here and complete at home or please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete all necessary paperwork. It is essential that you bring all relevant information from your primary veterinarian, including copies of recent laboratory tests performed, radiographs and medications previously prescribed.
During your first appointment, an ophthalmology technician will obtain a medical history and will perform preliminary testing (tear production, intraocular pressure measurements, and pupillary light response tests) prior to dilating your pet’s eyes. The pupils will then be dilated in order for us to see the inside of the eye. This is performed by applying drops on the surface of the eye. The process of dilation takes approximately 20 minutes.
Once your pet’s pupils are dilated, a thorough ocular examination is performed. During the examination, the following will be tested and assessed:
• Vision
• Tear production
• Intraocular pressure
• Eyelids and periocular tissues
• External and internal ocular structures, including the cornea, iris, lens, retina, and
optic nerve (biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy)
Dr. Bras will then discuss with you your pet’s condition, treatment options, and if further testing is recommended. Further testing may include:
• Blood work
• Ocular ultrasound
• Electroretinogram (ERG)
• Radiographs
• Computed Tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
At the end of your appointment, Dr. Bras will provide you with educational materials on your pet’s condition, and will keep your veterinarian updated on your pet's progress.
Cataract evaluation
If your pet is being evaluated for cataracts, please plan on a 60-90 minute appointment. After a complete examination, the level of vision impairment and the likelihood of cataract progression will be discussed. An ocular ultrasound and electroretinogram will be performed to evaluate the retina. If blood tests have not been previously performed by your primary veterinarian, this can be performed at CEVET the day of your appointment, or the day of surgery.
Once we have determined that your pet is a good candidate for cataract surgery, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation will be discussed in detail, including the surgical success rate and potential complications. Surgery can be scheduled for the next day (Tuesday or Thursday). Pets can be admitted the day of the appointment, or they can be admitted on the day of the surgery by 8:30 AM.