Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology Service

The ophthalmology service treat a range of conditions of the eye, eyelids and orbit. We accept cases of blindness, painful eyes, ocular discharge or redness as well as problems with eyelid anatomy or growths. Veterinary ophthalmologists manage both medical and surgical cases with our operating microscope and specialist anaesthesia support allowing for complex eyelid, corneal and anterior segment surgeries to be performed.

We are fortunate to work with specialists in a range of other disciplines which allows for collaboration and provision of specialist level treatment alongside treating the presenting eye condition.

We are also happy to provide advice on cases to referring vets, good quality photographs or videos can help with this.

Common conditions treated here include:

  • Cherry eye, including replacement of re-prolapsed glands
  • Entropion or ectropion
  • Heavy facial folds
  • Distichiasis and ectopic cilia
  • Eyelid mass removal
  • Medial canthoplasty for brachycephalic
  • Corneal sequestra
  • Non-healing corneal ulcers
  • Infected or complicated corneal ulcers
  • Foreign bodies in the eye or orbit
  • Cataracts – coming soon!

We are fortunate to have a panellist from the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme so we can offer pre-breeding tests for adult dogs as well as puppy litter screening. These are shorter appointments and do not require referral from your local vet.

Our team are knowledgeable, friendly and approachable, we are happy to answer any questions you have at any stage. We can discuss all options available and help you to find the one best suited to your pet.

What happens when my pet is referred for an ophthalmology assessment?

Examination of the eyes at the first consultation can take from 45 minutes up to 1 hour and includes Schirmer tear tests, intraocular pressure readings, fluorescein testing, slit lamp biomicroscopy, indirect and direct ophthalmoscopy. If indicated gonioscopy can be performed within this consultation also.

Further testing available includes electroretinography, ocular or orbital ultrasound, radiography, CT or MRI. Your pet is likely to be admitted if these investigations are needed.

Should I apply eye drops before attending my appointment?

Unless your pet has an infection that requires eye drops more frequently than every 6 hours you should ideally not apply drops for 6 hours prior to the appointment so that we can get a more accurate tear reading.

Please do not clean eyes immediately before the appointment either, then we can see the level of ocular discharge.

How to prepare for your appointment
  • We will need to be able to keep your pet relatively still to look closely into their eyes with a variety of instruments and lights. If your pet is anxious, very wriggly or has any aggressive tendencies it may be worth sourcing anti-anxiety or sedative medications from your vet to be given before attending.
  • We may apply drops to your pet’s eyes that will leave their pupils dilated for 12-24 hours after the appointment. This will make them uncomfortable in bright light but shouldn’t significantly impact their vision. You might prefer to take them for a walk prior to their visit.
  • We like to monitor eye disease with digital photographs, so prepare for plenty of images to be taken. There is no need for owners to appear in the photographs unless you want to!
  • Please bring any medications that your pet is receiving currently, but make sure to put any fridge items in a cool pack.
Will my pet need to stay in the hospital?

Patients sometimes need to be kept overnight for medication of their eyes or post-operative monitoring, there are vets and nurses here overnight to look after them.

Some conditions need a lot of eye drops to manage, our team can give you top tips on how to manage this.

Will I return to my vet for ongoing care?

Eyes have complex anatomy and not all referring vets have access to the equipment needed to examine the eye in close detail. Wherever possible we will work with your vet to manage ongoing care together. For more complex procedures such as cataract surgery you need to be prepared for long term follow up with our team who have years of experience in managing these cases.

My pet is diabetic, should I still starve them before their appointment?

Unless specifically told to do so by a vet, please do not starve your diabetic pet. Feed them and give insulin as normal.

Contact us

Get in touch with the Granta team

Refer a Case Call us

Medication postage — on hold from Tuesday 28th July

Due to forecasted high temperatures, we’ve made the decision to pause all outgoing medication postage until conditions are safe for transit. 

If you have an urgent medication need, please contact us directly and we’ll make sure you’re not left without what you need. 

We’ll update this notice as soon as postage resumes.