Cataract Evaluation

The first step toward cataract surgery is scheduling a cataract evaluation. This can be set up with the Small Animal Appointment Desk: (765) 494-1107.

Cataract evaluations require an appointment time frame that is greater than regular ophthalmology appointments, typically 2-3 hours. Due to this we can only schedule one cataract evaluation per day and are usually booked 1-4 weeks in advance. When a client cancels at the last minute or doesn’t show up, we are unable to fill this spot, therefore, we require a deposit of $58 for all cataract evaluation appointments. The deposit will then be applied to your visit. You must cancel or reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment to receive a refund. Allowances will be made for cancellations rescheduled due to weather.

Please bring all eye medications your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog’s eyes. At your appointment your dog’s history will be taken and an initial exam performed by either a student or registered ophthalmology technician. Because we are a teaching hospital, some time will be taken for the doctor to hear the student’s findings on the exam. She will then come in and do a more in depth exam and discuss options with you.

Cataract surgery is elective. Therefore we want to make sure it is in the best interest of your dog to go through the procedure. We only perform cataract surgery on eyes that have a good chance of regaining vision after surgery. Two further tests help us to determine this:

1. Electroretinography (ERG)
This determines the health of your dog’s retinas by testing their response to a light stimulus.

2. Ocular ultrasound:
This allows the doctors to see behind the lens to visualize any abnormalities such as a retinal detachment.

If these tests are considered normal, we will schedule a future appointment for surgery. You will have medications to administer and instructions to follow in preparation for your dog’s surgery.