Vet Center Offers Free Eye Exams to Service Animals

Distinguished veterinary ophthalmologist Robert L. Peiffer, DVM, PhD, Chief of Ophthalmology at Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey, is offering free, sight-saving ocular examinations throughout the month of May for eligible service animals, including law enforcement K9s and assistance animals for people with disabilities, as part of the National Service Animal Eye Exam program sponsored by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) and Stokes Rx. Early detection and treatment of abnormalities such as corneal scars or opacities, eyelid or conjunctival growths and cataracts are vital to the long-term ocular health and service performance of these animals.

Dr. Peiffer is a renowned veterinary practitioner, having served as Past President of the ACVO, the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology, the International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology and the International Society of Ocular Toxicology. He has received multiple career achievement awards from organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. Dr. Peiffer is the author of more than 200 published works, including four text books, and has been Professor of Ophthalmology at multiple universities.

“The National Service Animal Eye Exam Program is a truly inspiring collective effort of veterinary ophthalmologists nationwide and I am grateful to the ACVO and Stokes RX for leading this effort,” said Dr. Peiffer, noting that more than 7,500 service animals are helped each year by the program.

Saint Francis is home to the K9 Heroes Total Health Program, one of the largest law enforcement K9 health programs in North America, offering advanced, around-the-clock medical care to police, fire, military, drug enforcement, search and rescue, and other working dogs in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region.

“The K9 Heroes Total Health Program at Saint Francis ensures that law enforcement K9s have around-the-clock access to advanced, human-grade medical services. The National Service Animal Eye Exam program is an invaluable annual component of any service animal’s health and wellness,” said Rochelle Campbell, Director of the program.

Registering Your Service Animal for a Free Exam

Owners and handlers of qualified service animals must follow a two-step process to book a free exam at Saint Francis. First, visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org by April 30, 2019 to register; then, call Saint Francis Veterinary Center at 856.467.0050 to schedule the exam.

About Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey

Founded in 1986, Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey is an award-winning 24-hour emergency and specialty referral practice. Saint Francis has twice been a Top 2 Finalist for Practice of the Year in North America, honored by the American Animal Hospital Association. The practice was New Jersey’s first certified Level II 24 hour emergency center for animals, recognized by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. In 2013, Saint Francis was recognized with a Certificate of Special Senate Recognition for “innovative veterinary care and outstanding contributions to the community.” For more information please visit www.SaintFrancis.org.

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 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 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.

Media Contact:

Israel Thompson, Director of Strategic Initiatives

856.467.0050

JIT@SaintFrancis.org