FIRST TIME APPOINTMENTS

At Animal Eye Specialists, we strive to communicate with you as a partner in your pet's well-being. We are dedicated to making sure we do all that we can to make your experience with us a pleasant one.

Prior to your pet's examination, your pet should be evaluated and referred by your veterinarian. A specialty practice is designed to be an extension of the services provided by your veterinarian. General practitioners manage many eye problems on their own, however, a patient is referred when the doctor believes that the pet has a complicated, severe or chronic eye problem and would benefit from the advanced training of a board-certified ophthalmologist. We strive to maintain a close partnership with your veterinarian to keep them informed of your pet's condition, progress and treatment plan. A letter summarizing our findings and recommendations will be sent to your veterinarian after each visit.

Please have your veterinarian fill out a referral form prior to your appointment. Please bring this form with you or have your veterinarian fax it to us at 972-437-3938. Please call us at 972-437-3937 to schedule an appointment.

What to Bring to Your Appointment 

• Referral form (if not already faxed by your veterinarian)
• Current medications
• Medical records if available (including laboratory test results such as bloodwork and x-rays)
• Leash or cat carrier (we require that dogs be leashed at all times and cats remain in a carrier until escorted to the exam room)

What to Expect

Please allow 30-45 minutes for your initial appointment and 15-20 minutes for a recheck appointment. Please keep in mind that occassional emergencies do arise and require immediate attention. Emergencies must take priority, so we ask for your patience and understanding if your appointment is delayed.  

Your pet's initial examination will consist of a complete ophthalmic exam including vision testing, evaluation of the internal structures of the eye, tear testing, fluorescein staining, and glaucoma screening. Other tests will be performed as indicated. In some cases, the eyes will require dilation for examination, which will add appoximately 20 minutes to the appointment time.

Following the exam, we will explain our findings and recommended treatment options. If further diagnostics and/or surgery is recommended, we will provide an estimate for the costs involved. We are commited to taking the time to answer your questions and explain procedures to make sure you understand your pet's diagnosis and treatment options.

Required Forms

For your convenience, you can complete the new patient form prior to your appointment and bring it with you. 

• New Patient Form

Payment Policies

Our fees are usual and customary charges for the kind of specialized services we provide. We are happy to accept cash, debit card, Mastercard, Visa and Discover. We accept Care Credit for surgeries; we do not accept it for office visits. Please note we do not accept checks at this time.

If your pet is seen on an outpatient basis, payment is required at the time services are provided.

If your pet is admitted to the clinic for surgery or diagnostic testing, you will be required to leave a deposit in the amount of the written estimate provided. Payment in full is due when your pet is discharged.

Three diagnostic tests are included in the initial office visit fee. They include a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production, fluorescein stain to check for any ulcers, and tonometry to check the intraocular pressure of each eye. Any additional diagnostic testing, medications, and procedures are an additional cost.