Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does an ophthalmic examination involve?

An ophthalmic examination for a new patient includes:

	Obtaining a detailed ophthalmic history
	Vision testing
	Examination of the anterior segment of the eye (the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and lens) using a slit lamp biomicroscope and direct illumination
	Examination of the posterior segment of the eye (vitreous, retina, and optic nerve) using an indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens.
	Performing any additional diagnostic tests that are indicated for your pet's eye condition.

Additional diagnostic tests may be required for your pet, such as Schirmer tear testing for dry eye, tonometry (measuring the intraocular pressure), refraction (to determine the optics of the eyes), gonioscopy (to determine the anatomy of the iridocorneal angle). These tests are usually performed at the time of the initial consultation. Other specialized testing (such as electroretinography (to test the electrical activity of the retina) or ocular ultrasound (to evaluate the eye or orbit when direct evaluation is not possible) may be recommended and can usually be performed the same day as the appointment or the scheduled day of surgery.
*Please note:  The fee for regular or emergency ophthalmic examinations does not include any additional diagnostic tests, treatments, or medications.

It is our goal that you are well-educated and have a clear understanding about your pet's eye condition.  We will provide a diagnosis, describe the ocular condition in clear and understandable terms, discuss the necessary recommended medication(s) and treatment instructions to you, both verbally and in a detailed written "Discharge Instructions".  
Timely communication with your veterinarian is also very important to us.  A copy of the Discharge Instructions will also be faxed to your veterinarian on the same day that your pet was examined.  For new patients, or existing patients with new eye problems, we may also call your veterinarian to discuss your pet's ophthalmic condition. 

 

Do I need a referral from my veterinarian before I can make an appointment?

Although referral by your veterinarian is not mandatory, we do request their contact information so that we may keep your veterinarian informed of our findings and about the progress of your pet's eye problems.

 

How long does a typical appointment last?

Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see you on time for your appointment.  However, unexpected emergencies occur on a daily basis, and sometimes cause unavoidable delays in our schedule.   Please excuse any delays caused by emergencies.  We will provide you and your pet with the same careful attention devoted to others.  Most new appointments can last 20-40 minutes. Medical and surgical re-evaluation appointments vary between 5 and 20 minutes. Early morning appointments and appointments immediately after lunch are most likely to be on-time.

What if I'm running late for my appointment?

We understand that most of our clients must travel a great distance to our clinic and unforseen traffic and weather related issues may occur during your travels. If you think you may be running late, please call our office so that we may advise you if your late arrival can be accomodated, or if we will need to reschedule your appointment. In most cases, we can accomodate you, but please understand that if you arrive late, we may delay your appointment to keep on schedule and you will be worked in as soon as possible.  

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What is the approximate cost of an examination?

Our standard examination fee ($90) includes a complete ophthalmic examination of both eyes, using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy.  Any additional diagnostic procedures that are indicated for your pet's particular problem (such as tear testing, intraocular pressure measurement, fluorescein staining of the eye, etc.) are not included in the standard examination and charges will be incurred for any other diagnostic tests in addition to the standard examination fee. If medications are dispensed, additional charges for medications will also be incurred in addition to the examination fee and diagnostic testing fees.

Therefore, the cost for an ophthalmic evaluation of your pet will depend on the nature of your pet's eye problem, and if any specialized diagnostic testing is required for your pet.  For example, when dry eye or glaucoma is suspected, one or more additional diagnostic tests will likely be performed in addition to the complete ophthalmic examination; medications may also be dispensed when indicated and additonal charges for medications will be incurred.

How much does surgery cost?

For most surgeries, we cannot provide you with an accurate financial estimate without first examining your pet.  This is because each patient is different and the same abnormality may vary in severity, requiring different surgical treatments. For example, some eyelid surgical procedures are more complicated than others and require additional surgical and anesthetic time .  If surgery is indicated for your pet, we will provide you with a complete written financial estimate for the surgical procedure immediately after the examination. Financial estimates provided by telephone, based on your description of the eye abnormality present, are approximate estimates. We reserve the right to modify any estimate provided by telephone once an examination has been completed.

What forms of payment do you except?

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, personal checks and cash. Payment for services is due in full upon discharge of your pet. We also offer a third-party, credit card program called CareCredit for payments:

• 6 months/no interest for any amount.
• Amounts from $1000 and up have a 24-48 month term with 14.90% interest rate.
• Amounts from $2500 and up have a 60 month term with 14.90% interest rate

Can I make payments?

Payment plans are accepted through CareCredit only. See Above. Please click here to apply now. By phone (800) 365-8295. If you already have an account, you may bring your card with two pieces of I.D. Cardholder MUST be present at time of sale.

If my pet requires eye surgery, when (which days) is surgery performed by Dr. Ramsey?

Drop-off times are scheduled between 9am-12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We try to schedule your pet's drop-off time at least 2 hours before surgery is scheduled to allow for blood work, pre-medication, IV catheter placement, and other pre-surgical diagnostic testing and surgical preparation. Most pets are hospitalized for an average of 4-6 hours. This period of time can vary as we see emergency appointments almost daily, thus our surgical schedule may run later than anticipated. Pick-up times are scheduled between 3-5pm. We will call you when your pet is out of surgery with a complete report on how your pet's surgery progressed, and what time he/she will be ready to be picked up. None of our surgeries will require your pet to remain hospitalized overnight. We understand the importance of minimizing hospitalization, especially in older and anxious pets.

Can I schedule my pet's consultation and have surgery done the same day?

We understand that many of our clients must travel a great distance, so we set aside a few early morning (8-9:30am) consultation/surgery slots for consultations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your pet is deemed a good candidate for surgery, we will then keep your pet hospitalized for the day, and surgery will be done as soon as possible. Please understand that these consultation/surgery appointments are limited, and some surgeries (Cataract surgery) require medical treatment prior to surgery. Therefore, we typically do not schedule initial consultation/surgery for the same day.

Does Dr. Ramsey guarantee successful medical treatment and/or surgeries performed?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in human or veterinary medicine with any medical or surgical treatment because the ultimate outcome of any medical or surgical therapy depends on the response of the patient receiving treatment. Although the same exact treatment can be done for many different patients, each patient may respond differently, and unpredictably.

 

My pet needs a medication refill, do I need an appointment?

By law, we must see patients once yearly to renew prescriptions. If your pet is on a life-long medication and we have examined him/her in the past year, you may call our office to arrange pick-up or we will mail it to you for a $5 mailing fee. Please understand that we are unable to refill prescriptions 1-year beyond your pet's last exam. If you are unable to return to our clinic, please call your regular veterinarian for refills.

What if my pet has an emergency and Dr. Ramsey is unavailable?

Please call your regular veterinarian immediately for guidance or an appointment/referral to another ophthalmologist closest to you. You may also click here for a list of other ophthalmologists in Michigan.

 

 

What is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology [of-thal-MOL-o-je] is that branch of medicine dealing with the eye, its anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc. Veterinary ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders, vision/optics, orbital disease, and prevention of blindness/restoration of vision and care of blind animals. Animals experience most of the same or similar diseases and traumas to the eyes as do humans and require similar care.

What training does a Veterinary Ophthalmologist Receive?

• College/University (undergraduate study) - 4 years
• Veterinary School - 4 years
• Internship in a Veterinary Hospital - 1 year
• Residency in a Veterinary Ophthalmology Program - 3-4 years
• Successful completion of Credentials and successful completion of the Certifying Examination by The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

What are some of the major causes of blindness in animals?

• Glaucoma - pressure inside the eye which becomes so high that it damages the optic nerve--the most common cause of blindness in middle age dogs
• Cataracts - opacification of the crytalline lens which may be caused by genetics, inflammation, infection, aging, or injury
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry Eye) - decreased volume or abnormal composition of tears
• Eyelid disorders  - abnormal carriage or confirmation of the lids, third eyelid or conjunctiva
• Corneal Disorders - abnormalities of the anatomy or transparency (clouding, pigmentation) of the cornea
• Retinal detachment - when the retina is separated from its underlying blood supply
• Trauma to the eye

David T. Ramsey, DVM, Diplomate, ACVO
Performing Surgery using the Operating Microscope

What instruments are used by the Ophthalmologist?

Veterinary Ophthalmologists use instruments which are identical to those used in Human Ophthalmology, including the following:

What types of problems are seen by the Ophthalmologist?

• Dry Eye - the deficiency in the quality or quantity of tears lubricating the eye which causes constant pain from eye irritation, and a sandy or gritty sensation that, if untreated, can lead to scarring, pigmentation or ulceration of the cornea, and loss of vision
• Cataracts - opacification of the crystalline lens resulting in vision impairment
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation, discharge, etc.)
• Distichiasis Trichiasis (extra or deviated eyelashes)
• Entropion (Eyelids turned in) & Ectropion (Eyelids turned out)
• Enucleation (eye removal)
• Evisceration removal of the contents of a blind, painful eye and placement of an intraocular spherical prosthesis
• Eyelid Tumors
• Prolapse of the Gland of the 3rd eyelid (“Cherry” eye)
• Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (hereditary retinal degeneration resulting in progressive blindness)
• Ptosis (drooping upper lid)
• Retinal dysplasia - folding and/or thinning of the retina
• Scrolled 3rd eyelid Cartilage (“Popped/flipped” Cartilage)
• Strabismus (eyes not facing same direction)
• Anisocoria (unequal pupils)
• Bulging Eyeball

What sorts of emergency problems do Veterinary Ophthalmologists treat?

• Glaucoma (excessive pressure inside eye globe)
• Hyphema (blood in the eye)
• Luxated Lens (loosened or detached lens)
• Corneal Laceration/ulceration
• Orbital Abscess
• Proptosed Globe (eye popped out)
• Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Exophthalmos (eye protruding from socket)
• Blindness, acute onset
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)