More than 7,000 Service Animals Receive Free, Sight-Saving Eye Exams at 9th Annual ACVO®/Stokes Pharmacy National Service Animal Eye Exam Event
MERIDIAN, Idaho, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Animals including guide, disability assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and registered therapy animals, selflessly serve the public. To honor these animals and their work, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) holds the ACVO®/Stokes Pharmacy National Service Animal Eye Exam Event each May. Last month, more than 270 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico donated their time and resources to provide free eye exam screenings to thousands of eligible Service Animals.
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Since the event's inception in 2008, more than 52,000 Service Animals have received free screening eye exams – including approximately 7,400 Service Animals this year. In addition to dogs, other Service Animals including horses, mini horses, donkeys and cats have received free sight-saving exams.
"I can attest to the value of this program, as my former search and rescue K-9 partner, Clark Kent, was diagnosed with a condition that would've resulted in eventual blindness," said Judy Otto, Training Coordinator, Mid-South Search & Rescue Dog Association of Memphis. "Thanks to the early detection of this ailment, we were able to maintain Clark's eye health for the remainder of his service life. He enjoyed a happy retirement after 10 years of service that we owe, in part, to these free screenings."
"Once again, we had a wonderful turnout for our annual eye exam event," said Stacee Daniel, Executive Director of ACVO. "We're truly appreciative of both the participating ophthalmologists and our sponsors for making the event a success and for helping so many deserving Service Animals and their handlers receive such an important screening examination, free-of-charge."
This year's event was sponsored by ACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors, ophthalmologists and staff. Participating ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff and facilities at no charge to participate in the event.
About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is to "promote excellence in veterinary ophthalmology through advanced training, certification, research and education." To become board certified, a candidate must successfully complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three-year ACVO® approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.
About Stokes Pharmacy
Stokes Pharmacy is a national, full-service compounding pharmacy specializing in the art and science of the custom formulation of prescription medicines for humans and animals. Leading the way in innovation, Stokes invites veterinarians to prescribe compounded medications online securely, quickly, and accurately via iFill, a cloud-based prescription management system. For more information, visit stokesrx.com.
SOURCE American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)
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