VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Hosts Free Eye Exams Event for Service Animals

 

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCAHAH) in collaboration with Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida is proud to announce a one-day Free Eye Exams Event for Service Animals. This event, scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, aims to provide valuable eye care services to qualified working dogs in South Florida.

As part of the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program, VCAHAH and AEG will offer free eye exams to service animals, including BSO K9 Patrol Officers, Humane Society of Broward County Therapy Animals, Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward County Court House Canines, and more. These exams will be conducted by qualified veterinarians specializing in ophthalmology.

WHO/WHAT: 

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys of South Florida to host Free Eye Exams Event for Service Animals.

WHEN: 

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

WHERE: 

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
2864 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33020
954.920.3556

HOW:  Early registration is key to providing these exams.  

This event is part of the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program, which has been providing free eye exams for service animals for 15 years. The program is conducted by 250 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists from across the United States and Canada, including Puerto Rico.

 To qualify, qualified service animals must register online April 1-30th at https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/. Once registered, call 754-732-1792 to schedule an appointment.  

Who is eligible? Any active working animal that has been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional, or local in nature.  

Examples of active working animals are guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, emotional support animals, and search and rescue dogs. Pre-Registration is required 

 When are the exams? Exams are offered throughout the month of May and during this dedicated one-day event on May 21st at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. 

Pre-Registration is required. 

 How to schedule an exam? Register online- April 1- 30th at www.ACVOeyeexam.org   

Then call 754-732-1792 to set an appointment.   

 "We are thrilled to be part of the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program and to provide free eye exams to our local service animals," said Dr. James Herrington, Medical Director at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. "This event not only ensures the health and well-being of these dedicated animals but also celebrates their invaluable contributions to our community."

Media representatives are encouraged to attend this event to capture stories and photos of our local service animal community.

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital: 

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is a leading veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for pets. With a dedicated team of veterinarians and support staff, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and providing exceptional veterinary care.

About Animal Eye Guys of South Florida: 

Animal Eye Guys of South Florida is a specialized veterinary ophthalmology practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in animals. Led by experienced veterinary ophthalmologists, Animal Eye Guys of South Florida offers advanced eye care services for pes, including service animals.

Free Eye Exams for Service Animals

 VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA Hollywood) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida will once again partner to offer the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program.  

Now in its 14th year, this program offers free eye exams for pre-registered service animals during the month of May. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys will host a one day event exclusively for these sight saving exams.

What:
Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital for a free eye exam provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist and his team at Animal Eye Guys of South Florida.

When: Local Event date: May 21, 2023

Where: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Pre-Registration is required

Register April 1- 30th  online at http://www.acvo.org/

Who:
Active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. 

How:
Pre-Registration for these exam begins-   April 1st -April 30th at www.ACVOeyeexam.org

Once registered, call  754-732-1792  with the registration number to schedule your appointment in May.

Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined.  In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams.  

A sampling of groups served since the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event launched in 2008 include: Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and military working dogs from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Puppies Behind Bars, an organization providing psychiatric service dogs to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, local fire, rescue and police agencies, and also individual service animal owners and handlers who rely on these amazing animals daily.  

The event is primarily sponsored by ACVO.  Other non-profit supporters include the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, and other national service animal organizations.  

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947,VCA HAH features 21 veterinarians and more than 100 highly trained technical and support staff members. For more information, please visit http://www.VCAhollywood or call 954.920.3556. 

About Animal Eye Guys
Animal Eye Guys has proudly served the Hollywood FL area for everything pet related. There clinic is run by Dr. Robert Swinger, who is a licensed, experienced Hollywood veterinarian and Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Their team is committed to educating clients in how to keep their pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Animal Eye Guys stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery. https://animaleyeguys.com/

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. http://www.acvo.org/

WHAT DO PATROL CANINE OFFICERS AND MOUNTED EQUINE OFFICERS HAVE IN COMMON?

WHAT DO PATROL CANINE OFFICERS AND MOUNTED EQUINE OFFICERS HAVE IN COMMON?

THEY WILL ALL BE GETTING THEIR EYES EXAMINED FOR FREE AT

VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL ON MAY 7

People Love Stories about Animals - Especially Happy Stories

GREAT VISUALS - VALUABLE INFORMATION!!

WHO/WHAT:

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCAHAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida will be providing free eye exams to qualified South Florida working dogs on Sunday, May 7, from 10:00am -3:00pm.

High profile patients include:

Horses from Peaceful Ridge Rescue- Specifically, a retired Equine Officer from Key West!

The complimentary exams will be provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

The exams are being offered as part of the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program. Now in its 10th year, the program offers free eye exams for service animals during the month of May by 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists from around the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined.  In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams. 

 

WHERE/WHEN:

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, FL 33020

954.920.3556

Sunday, May 7, 2017

10:00 am -3

:00 pm

Great Visuals All Morning, However High Profile Patients include:

Equine Officer and Local K9 Patrol officers 11-1pm

HOW:

On-site media contact is Linda Ream. Contact her at linda.ream@vca.com/954.319.0365(C)

MORE INFORMATION:

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947, VCA HAH features 21 veterinarians and more than 100 highly trained technical and support staff members. For more information, please visit http://www.VCAhollywood.com or call 954-826-8871

About Peaceful Ridge Rescue​’s mission is to rescue horses from neglect, abuse, abandonment, and slaughter; improve their lives by providing a safe haven for healing and rehabilitation; find a homes for every horse, through a rigorous adoption process, sponsor and foster program; and educate the community through instructional support, and equine-assisted programs. For more information, please visit http://www.peacefulridgerescue.org/ or call 954-240-6080.

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations.

  

Media Contacts

Linda Ream, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital: linda.ream@vca.com /954.319.0365 (C)

WHEN THE SIMPLIEST OF TASKS ARE OUT OF REACH, A TRAINED SERVICE ANIMAL IS THE ANSWER.

WHEN THE SIMPLIEST OF TASKS ARE OUT OF REACH, A TRAINED SERVICE ANIMAL IS THE ANSWER.

Service dogs assist in everyday tasks. Training centers like GOLDSTAR are working everyday to ensure service animals are up for the task of object retrieval, balance assistance, opening and closing doors and much more.

Sunday May 7, 2017, animals from GOLDSTAR Service Dog Center will be returning to the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital to get their annual checkup with Dr. Robert Swinger of Animal Eye Guys.

People Love Stories about Animals - Especially Happy Stories!!!

GREAT VISUALS - VALUABLE INFORMATION!!

WHO/WHAT:

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCAHAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida will be providing free eye exams to qualified South Florida working dogs on Sunday, May 7, from 10:00am -3:00pm.

High profile patients include:

GOLDSTAR Service Dogs – specially trained service dogs for mobility assistance, companion dogs for PTSD, anxiety, slight autism, and other mental assistance.

These complimentary exams will be provided by Dr. Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

The exams are being offered as part of the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program. Now in its 10th year, the program offers free eye exams for service animals during the month of May by 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists from around the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined.  In addition to dogs, other service animals including horses and even a service donkey named Henry have received free sight saving exams. 

WHERE/WHEN:

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

2864 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, FL 33020

954.920.3556

Sunday, May 7, 2017

10:00 am -3:00 pm

GOLDSTAR Service Dog Center mobility assistance animals and companion dogs.

HOW:

On-site media contact is Linda Ream. Contact her at linda.ream@vca.com/954.319.0365(C)

MORE INFORMATION:

About VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. Founded in 1947, VCA HAH features 21 veterinarians and more than 100 highly trained technical and support staff members. For more information, please visit http://www.VCAhollywood.com or call 954-826-8871

About GOLDSTAR Service Dog Center

GOLDSTAR Service Dog Center is a licensed dog training facility located in Pahrump, NV specializing in the training of service dogs for mobility assistance. This includes training with a mobility harness for help in keeping balance and walking, object retrieval, opening and closing doors, walking next to a wheelchair/walker, etc. GOLDSTAR also trains companion dogs for PTSD, anxiety, slight autism, and other mental assistance. For more information about GOLDSTAR Service Dog Center visit: http://www.goldstarservicedogs.com/servicedogs.html or contact them directly @702-610-9504 / email: goldstarservicedogcenter@gmail.com.

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations.

  

Media Contacts

Linda Ream, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital: linda.ream@vca.com /954.319.0365 (C)

5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event!!!!

  Love in action is service!

This May, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital and Animal Eye Guys, will host their 5th Annual Free Eye Exam for Service Animals Event.  Sunday May 7th from 10-4pm will be dedicated exclusively to eye exams for qualified service animals.

Prompted by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist National Eye Exams for Service animals, Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert Swinger will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. 

“A lot of little things can be missed without all of the proper equipment. Early detection of problems and treatment is vital to the success of these working animals,"

Dr. Robert Swinger l Animal Eye Guys 

To qualify, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals and search and rescue animals that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. Simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment.

 

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2017 EVENT:

To qualify for a free exam, animals must be

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1^st at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.  Registration ends April 30th. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment for the month of May. 

Appointments can be made throughout the month of May through Animal Eye Guys.

 “Our practice has been serving the South Florida 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.” 

Dr. James Herrington l VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital l Medical Director

FREE Sight Saving Exams for the Pets That Serve!!!!!!

VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL TO OFFER FREE SIGHT SAVING EYE EXAMS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS ON SUNDAY MAY 22, 2016

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCA HAH) and Animal Eye Guys (AEG) of South Florida are proud to announce their participation in the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam program. Now in its 9th year, the program offers free eye exams for service and therapy animals during the month of May by more than 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists from around the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Sunday, May 22^th from 10a-4p, the VCA HAH will open its doors exclusively for these exams and host therapy animals from local individuals and community service organizations.

 Guardians and handlers of all qualified service animals are invited to visit the clinic on Sunday, May 15th for a free eye exam provided by Robert Swinger, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist.  Dr. Swinger will be checking for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities.

“A lot of little things can be missed without all of the proper equipment. Early detection of problems and treatment is vital to the success of these working animals," said Dr. Swinger.

Noah, a Labrador Seeing Eye dog, was seen by Dr. Swinger during the 2015 Free Eye Event. Eighty-percent blind, Fernando Castillo, is retired and says the cost of veterinary care can strain his budget but his daily routine is intertwined with Noah's health.

"Only one of us can be blind," Castillo jokes!

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2016 EVENT:

To qualify for a free exam, animals must be active working animals such as guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals and search and rescue animals that have been certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Owners/agents for the animal(s) must first register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1^st at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.  Registration ends April 30th. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number. They can then simply call (954) 826-8871 to schedule an appointment for the month of May.

“Our practice has been serving the Hollywood community for over 68 years. We have a commitment to the pet community and we could not be happier to partner with Dr. Swinger and Animal Eye Guys once again to provide this service.”

Dr. James Herrington l VCAHAH l Medical Director

"It is truly an honor to provide exams for animals that so selflessly provide support to their people and communities."

Dr. Robert Swinger l Animal Eye Guys l Owner

About ACVO Free Eye Exams

 Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 45,000 Service Animals have received free screening eye exams, over 7,000 in 2015 alone. The event started when ACVO recognized the good  that was already being done by many members; the majority of whom were providing similar free exams across the country. By combining and expanding these individual events, ACVO was able to create more of an impact.

In addition to dogs, other service animals including a service donkey named Henry and our very own local HSBC’s miniature pony named, Lil’Man have received free sight saving exams. 

A sampling of groups served since the ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event include: Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and military working dogs from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas; Puppies Behind Bars, an organization providing psychiatric service dogs to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan; local fire, rescue and police agencies; and also individual service animal owners and handlers who rely on these amazing animals daily. 

The event is sponsored by ACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors, and volunteer ophthalmologists. Participating ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff and facilities at no charge to participate in the event.

Other non-profit supporters include the American Veterinary Medical Association, most state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, the American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, and other national service animal organizations.   Visit http://www.acvoeyeexam.org for more information.

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must successfully complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three-year ACVO® approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.

About Stokes Pharmacy

Stokes Pharmacy is a national, full-service compounding pharmacy specializing in the art and science of the custom formulation of prescription medicines for humans and animals. Leading the way in innovation, Stokes invites veterinarians to prescribe compounded medications online securely, quickly, and accurately via iFill, a cloud-based prescription management system. For more information, visit stokesrx.com.

 About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.