Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Press Release:WORKING SERVICE DOGS GET FREE VETERINARY EYE EXAMS

Please note this event is for Service Dogs placed by programs only  because 
"Over the past several years we have had some individuals claim their dog was a Service Dog just to take advantage of the eye exam.  ACVO Diplomates generously donate their time and resources to provide eye exams for Service Dogs.  These resources are limited and if nonqualified dogs fill the limited time slots allotted then a qualified dog may be excluded. "
(Yet another example of how service dog fraud hurts legitimate owner -trained service dogs and their partners. Stepping off my soap box now.)

Press Release:
Certified working service dogs are being offered free screening eye examinations through Eye Care for Animals for the entire month of May. This is the third year this event has been held nationally by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists ® in association with boarded veterinary ophthalmologists. 

Screening eye examinations can detect ocular diseases at an early stage when treatment can be most successful, thereby helping preserve the sight of these dogs whose partners depend upon them. Certified working service dogs include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Qualified participants must register online at www.acvoeyeexam.org.  Click on Dog owners/participants at the top of the page and follow the onscreen instructions.  Once the registration number for the dog is assigned, the participant may call the participating Eye Care for Animals in their area to schedule an appointment for their dogs free eye exam during the month of May. Appointments are limited, so register and call today!

Eye Care for Animals has facilities in Arizona, California, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin, and is dedicated to providing the finest in veterinary ophthalmology services.  Their staff of board certified ophthalmologists provides the highest level of care, education, and understanding to their clients and their animal companions.  For more information visit www.eyecareforanimals.com.

ACVO® is a veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties.  Its mission is to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialist in veterinary ophthalmology.  To become board certified a candidate must complete their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, a one year internship, a three year residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations.

Contact:
Julie Gamarano
jgamarano@eyecareforanimals.com
3260 N Hayden Road, Suite 214
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
P: 480-682-6911

2 comments:

H said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hey Melissa. I tried emailing you but couldn't access your address so this is the only other way I can think of. I'm a journalism student at the University of Florida and I'm writing an article about service dogs, which will hopefully be published in a magazine. I'm looking for people who own service dogs who wouldn't mind taking a few minutes to tell me about how their dog has impacted their life. If you or anyone you know would like to participate, email me at mppm974@aol.com Thanks! :)