UF’s ACVO free screening event for service animals now includes heart, mobility screenings
The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital will host its annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ national eye screening event for service animals, sponsored by Epicur Pharma, on May 15.
The ACVO®/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening is a philanthropic event that provides free ocular screening eye exams to qualified service and working animals. Exams are provided by board-certified ophthalmologists who choose to participate and volunteer their time and resources.
Throughout the last decade, UF’s Small Animal Hospital has expanded its free screening services at the event beyond ophthalmology to include heart screenings; and this year’s event will be the most inclusive yet, featuring not only ocular and heart screenings for service animals, but also mobility assessments from CVM’s integrative and mobility medicine services for rapid assessment of musculoskeletal and neurologic function.
“This annual event is one of our favorites at the hospital,” Caryn Plummer, D.V.M., professor and board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at CVM, said. “We are very proud to, once again, be part of the ACVO’s annual free screening initiative and to expand our assessment services even further this year. Service animals are an incredibly important group of heroes and it’s an honor to dedicate our time and expertise each year to ensuring their optimal health,” Plummer added.
Service animals typically include guide dogs, disability assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs and formally trained and certified therapy dogs. Only active working animals certified by, or enrolled in a formal training program or organization, qualify for the exam.
In 17 years of philanthropy through the annual event, ACVO ophthalmologists have donated nearly 92,000 exams.
Plummer, who’s led the event at UF CVM since its inception, will spearhead the ophthalmology examinations, while board-certified veterinary cardiologist Michael Aherne, D.V.M., will oversee heart screening examinations. Jennifer Repac, D.V.M., board-certified veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist, will manage mobility screenings.
“Service animals are essential partners in care and independence,” Plummer concluded. “Healthy eyes, hearts and mobility are critical for service animals to perform their roles safely, comfortably and at their best. Regular screening offers the opportunity for early detection, and intervention — if necessary — to keep these champions healthy.”
If veterinarians find more tests are needed, service animal owners will be able to schedule appointments on site.