For the 6th year, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA HAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida participated in the “American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) National Service Dog Eye Exam” program. For over a decade, this program has offered free eye exams for pre-registered service animals during the month of May.
Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined throughout the country. In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams.
Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals were invited to VCA Hollywood for the sight-saving eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist of Animal Eye Guys.
VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital opened their doors on a Sunday morning to 88 furry four-legged friends from the Service and Therapy communities. Dr. Swinger and his ophthalmology team donated their specialized skills, time and resources to provide these screening exams to the loyal service and working animals that support our community.
“I checked for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals,” expressed Dr. Robert Swinger of Animal Eye Guys.
Among the attendants of this annual event were community service animals from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Canines for Community Resilience, the Broward County Court House, the Humane Society of Broward County Therapy Animals, the Memorial Regional Hospital Service and the Broward County Court House as well as private service animals such as seeing eye dogs and medical alert and emotional support animals that perform critical jobs that save lives.
“Our practice has been serving the South Florida community for nearly 70 years. We have a commitment to our pets and are honored to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and community. We could not be happier to partner with Dr. Swinger and Animal Eye Guys once again to provide this service,” exclaimed Dr. James Herrington, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Medical Director. “It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and communities.”
