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News from the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 3225 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 |
April 29, 2010 Release on |
| Contact: |
Chris Beuoy 217/244-1562 beuoy@illinois.edu |
Service Animals Eligible for Free Eye Exams at University of Illinois Veterinary Clinic
Many companion animals provide more than companionship: they perform vital roles in society as service animals, assisting people with disabilities, aiding search and rescue, or contributing to therapy.To show appreciation for service animals, veterinary ophthalmologists--eye specialists--at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital are participating in the third annual AVCO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), a specialty organization that certifies veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology, coordinates this event to provide free eye exams for service animals, including dogs and horses.
To qualify for a free exam, service animal owners must first register at the ACVO Web site: www.ACVOeyeexam.org. After registration/approval is complete, please call Shari Poruba (217/333-5374) or Lorri Zoch (217/265-0008) for an appointment.
More than 170 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists throughout the U.S. and Canada will donate their services for this event. The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital has more than 80 veterinarians who care for more than 15,000 animal patients every year. For more information about the hospital, please visit: vetmed.illinois.edu/vth/.