Tier 1 is here to provide specialized care for your pet’s eyes. Eye disease is complex, and just like in humans, when you seek specialty care beyond your primary doctor, Tier 1’s ophthalmology service provides the most advanced eye care for your pet. With Tier 1’s full-time, year-round board-certified ophthalmologist, we are able to provide your pet medical and surgical treatment right here in Alaska to keep them visual and comfortable.
0+ Years of Veterinary Experience
When to Schedule an Eye Exam for Your Pet
Our pets can often times give us warning signals that they need to see a veterinary eye doctor.
Some signs your pet should see an eye doctor can include:
Squinting when not in sunlight.
Unusual Discharge
Puffiness
Discoloration
Growths
Watery Eyes
Visible 3rd eyelid
If your pet shows signs of any of these eye conditions, you need to schedule an eye exam with our Board Certified Ophthalmologist.
The answer to all eye problems is not to apply eye drops. While medicated eye drops can provide relief for some types o of infections they do not solve all veterinary eye problems.
Just like in human medicine, perceived cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, severe injuries, and cancer of the eye can occur in dogs and cats.
You do not need a referral to see our veterinary eye doctor. Dr. Snyder is a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist in Alaska. As a referral hospital, we will work with your regular vet to ensure they have everything they need to continue to care for your pet once their eyes have been treated.
You can make an appointment for an eye exam by calling our Hospital at 907-745-8437.
Some signs your pet should see an eye doctor can include:
If your pet shows signs of any of these eye conditions, you need to schedule an eye exam with our Board Certified Ophthalmologist.
The answer to all eye problems is not to apply eye drops. While medicated eye drops can provide relief for some types o of infections they do not solve all veterinary eye problems.
Just like in human medicine, perceived cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, severe injuries, and cancer of the eye can occur in dogs and cats.
You do not need a referral to see our veterinary eye doctor. Dr. Snyder is a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist in Alaska. As a referral hospital, we will work with your regular vet to ensure they have everything they need to continue to care for your pet once their eyes have been treated.
You can make an appointment for an eye exam by calling our Hospital at 907-745-8437.
What to Expect When You Schedule Your Pet's Eye Exam
- Schedule - Schedule your pet's eye exam by calling our hospital at 907-745-8437. Unlike human medicine, you do not need a referral to make an appointment with an eye specialist. The eye examination cost covers a thorough "front to back" examination of the eyeball including baseline tests. We want the examination to be as thorough as possible.
- Medical Records - If you have medical records from your primary vet, we would like to review those before your appointment.
- The Exam - Our ophthalmology team will start the exam by asking you routine questions about your pet's health and the specific concerns you have. During the exam with your pet's eye doctor, the doctor may dilate the eyes of the pet to enlarge the pupil allowing a more detailed view of the back of the eye. Dilating the eyes of your pet is pain-free and temporary.Â
- Tear Check - Your pet's eye doctor will check tear production and quality.
- Intraocular Pressure - Your pet's eye doctor will measure the intraocular pressure of the eye with a non-invasive tonometer to check for signs of glaucoma.
- Cornea Check - Your pet's eye doctor may apply fluorescein stain to the cornea to highlight any corneal scratches or defects. This stain is temporary and pain-free. Your pet's eye doctor will examine your pet's eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens looking for any signs of inflammation, infection, or vision-threatening changes.
- Defects and Detachment - Your pet's eye doctor will conclude the exam by looking at the structures in the back of the eye. The eye doctor will examine the optic nerve and retina for any signs of inflammation, degeneration, and detachment. .
- 360 View of the Eye - During the exam with your pet's eye doctor, the doctor may dilate the eyes of the pet to enlarge the pupil allowing a more detailed view of the back of the eye. Dilating the eyes of your pet is pain-free and temporary.
Will my pet lose its eye?
Only in specific cases and very infrequently is this recommended at our Hospital. Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center has invested in specialty equipment and provides state-of-the-art technology so pet owners can make informed decisions about what level of care they want for their pets.
Eye Care Services for Your Pet at Tier 1 VMC
- Microsurgery - With an advanced operating microscope and microsurgical instruments, Tier 1 has the ability to operate on the eye at the same level available in human medicine.
- Cataract Surgery Machine - Employing the same advanced phacoemulsification technology used to remove human cataracts, Tier 1 gives your pet the chance to see again.
- Cryosurgery - A technique employing freezing to non-invasively remove tumors and aberrant eyelashes without the use of a scalpel blade.Â
- Electroretinography - This advanced noninvasive technology has the ability to quantify your pet’s retinas response to light, allowing us to diagnosis the underlying cause of sudden blindness or decreased vision
- Ocular Ultrasound - This allows Tier 1 to use sound waves to noninvasively image your pet’s eye to more accurately identify eye disease (retinal detachment, tumors, infections, bleeding) and give your pet a better treatment plan and prognosis.
- Orbital disease imaging - Using a cutting edge computed tomography (CT) machine, Tier 1 is able to identify and treat orbital disease behind the eye
- Slit-lamp and Retinal examinations - Using a handheld slit-lamp machine and indirect ophthalmoscope with specialized lenses, Tier 1 can examine your pet’s eyelids, cornea, iris, lens, and retina with the same level of care as a human ophthalmologist.
- Tonometry - Special instruments giving the most accurate reading of your pet’s intraocular pressure possible.
Eye Care Services for Your Pet at Tier 1 VMC
- Comprehensive Eye Exams - From the eyelids to the cornea to the retina, a complete front to back eye exam with specialized equipment
- Cataract Surgery - Advanced microsurgery to remove your pet’s cataract
- Conjunctivitis Treatment
- Corneal Disease - From simple to complex, Tier 1 is able to treat any and all types of corneal injuries or trauma
- Corneal Microsurgery
- Dry Eye Management - A plan to increase your pet’s low tear production
- Eyelid/Eyelash Disease - Medical or surgical management to keep your pet comfortable
- Glaucoma Treatment - A comprehensive plan to decrease your pet’s intraocular pressure
- Uveitis Treatment - Diagnosing and treating inflammation of your pet's eye
- OFA Eye Certification Exams (CERF) - Inherited Eye Disease Exams for Breeding Animals
- Orbital Disease - Treatment of infection, tumors, or immune-mediated disease behind the eye
- Retinal Testing - The ability to tell you how well your pet’s retina is functioning
- Third Eyelid Disease Surgery - (cherry eye, scrolled cartilage)
- Trauma Management - Medical or surgical treatment to try and save your pet’s eye after a traumatic event
- Vision Testing – From visual tests in different lighting conditions to refraction testing to tell how near or farsighted your pet is