A veterinary ophthalmologist is a veterinarian who specializes exclusively in treating eye disorders in animals. To achieve board certification, specialists undergo years of training.
This training involves:
– A Bachelor of Science college degree.
– A Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from attending 4 years of veterinary medical school
– A one year internship in surgery and medicine at a large, multi-specialty veterinary hospital, often at a University, or equivalent time as a general practitioner in private practice.
– Three years in a veterinary ophthalmology residency. Most residencies are conducted at University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals under the guidance of faculty ophthalmologists.
– Completion of the board certification process, administered by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®. This involves a thorough review of the applicant’s credentials, followed by a three day exam consisting of written, practical and surgical portions.
All board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVOs). This is a specialty organization affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association.
To learn more about the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, please visit the ACVO website.