Tribute to Service Dogs: Free Eye Exams this Week Across America and Canada
ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exams unites veterinary ophthalmologists with thousands of service dogs for free exams May 3-9
(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 4, 2009 -- Guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs and search and rescue dogs selflessly serve the public with no compensation. The week of May 3, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) is launching the 2nd ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam Day sponsored by Merial, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, OPTIGEN, and Kong Veterinary Products to help serve these dogs who dedicate their lives to serving us. More than 150 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists in the U.S. and Canada will provide free sight-saving eye exams to thousands of service dogs.
To qualify, dogs must be “working dogs” certified through a formal training program or organization. The mission of ACVO’s National Service Dog Eye Exam is to preserve the sight and health of these animals whose partners depend upon them.
“Many of ACVO’s ophthalmologists generously provide similar services to their service dog clients throughout the year,” says Stacee Daniel, executive director of the organization. “Our hope is that by checking these animals’ vision on the national day of service, we will be able to help a large number of dogs better assist their human friends.” To learn more about and register for ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam, please visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® 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 advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified a candidate must complete a DVM degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.
The following non-profit organizations have supported the National Service Dog Eye Exam Day: American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians Society, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Association of Detection Dogs, North American Police Dog Association, National Narcotic Detection Dog Association, Patriot Paws Service Dogs, Paws with a Cause, Department of Homeland Security and Service Dogs of America. Additional organizational support is pending.
For more information, photos and interviews with participating veterinary ophthalmologists, service dogs (and their owners) and ACVO representatives, please contact: Libby McKenna, Fetching Communications,813-476-3894.
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