December 2009 Newsletter (pdf) - American College of Veterinary ...

AMERICAN COLLEGE 

OF VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS ® 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

President’s Corner ...Page 1 

Member News...Page 2 

Committee Reports...Page 3 

Public Relations...Pages 4 

ACVO Conference...Page 5 

VAF Foundation...Page 6 

Calendar...Page 8 

Classifi ed Ads...Page 10 

Inserts: 

Ads 

Dues Form 

Service Dog Eye Exam Event 

Sign-up Form 

The ACVO 

® 

View 

“...that light 

shall prevail 

over darkness...” ® 

by Cynthia Cook, DVM, 

DACVO 

I am honored to be the current 

President of the ACVO. After 

serving as Regent for three 

years and then ascending the 

offi cer ranks over the next 

three years, it is still easy to 

be overwhelmed by the scope of the issues and 

the small amount of time one actually has to 

accomplish our goals. In a growing organization 

such as ours, the wheels turn slowly with each 

successive administration attempting to build on 

the progress of the last. The need to maintain an 

“institutional memory” of why things in the College 

are done as they are and keep our sight on 

reasonable goals for change was the motivation 

for the 2006 strategic plan. It serves as the road 

map for our future efforts and the yardstick by 

which our progress is measured. The strategic 

plan and updates can be found on the website. I 

will summarize some of our current efforts here. 

The need to limit the liability to individual 

members and our group as a whole makes it 

necessary to isolate the certifi cation functions of 

our college. Drs. Parshall and Miller accurately 

identifi ed one goal of separating membership 

from Diplomate status. However, a more 

comprehensive approach is needed. The 

governance committee and our ABVS 

representative are working on the details how 

this separation will occur. We have many models 

from our counterparts in the human medical 

specialties. While these changes may seem 

complex and even intimidating, this goal is the 

clearly the prudent path for our evolving group. 

There will be no surprises -- the details will be 

carefully considered. You will soon hear of a 

survey to solicit your opinion of the proposed 

efforts in this direction. I urge you to participate 

and express your concerns freely. 

VOL. 2 ISSUE 8 | FALL/WINTER | 2009 

PRESIDENT’S CORNER 

Our most recent two bylaws votes (2007, 2009) 

raise awareness of some fundamental 

diffi culties with our current system of 

governance. When our College was small, it 

seemed both reasonable and possible to require 

an affi rmative vote of 2/3 of the total 

membership to enact any bylaws change. Now, 

with over 340 Diplomates, it is nearly impossible 

to get the participation, much less agreement, 

of this many individuals. While a “supermajority” 

of 67% is often required for signifi cant changes 

in an organization, the required votes are nearly 

always a percentage of those participating, not 

the membership as a whole. This is something 

that the governance committee will propose 

correcting. 

The Board of Regents has adopted the ACVO 

code of ethics. It is closely patterned after that 

of the AAO and the AVMA. You will fi nd this 

document on our website. Residents and new 

Diplomates will be expected to commit to this in 

writing and its acceptance is implicit for all 

members/diplomates of the ACVO. 

Thanks to the efforts of our past and present 

treasurers, Drs. Dugan and Paulsen, and our 

Executive Director, Stacee Daniel, the fi nancial 

situation of the ACVO continues to improve. The 

expansion of the annual meeting, the efforts to 

promote the image of our College and veterinary 

ophthalmologists through the Service Dog Event 

have all been successful steps in our strategic 

plan. 

I look forward the next year, working with the 

other members of the BOR and with our ACVO 

committees, consisting of some of the most 

diligent and hard working volunteers one could 

imagine. We welcome the input of all our fellow 

Diplomates as we work toward our established 

goals and welcome suggestions for new 

directions for our College.

THE ACVO VIEW, PAGE 2 

{ PRESIDENT } 

Dr. Cynthia Cook 

(650) 551-1115 

{ PRESIDENT-ELECT } 

Dr. Carmen Colitz 

(561) 967-5966 

{ VICE PRESIDENT } 

Dr. Brian Gilger 

(919) 513-1273 

{ PAST PRESIDENT } 

Dr. Cynthia Powell 

(970) 297-1259 

MEMBER NEWS 

{ WELCOME NEW ACVO DIPLOMATES! } 

The below individuals successfully passed ACVO exams and were 

inducted into membership as Diplomates in November. Biography 

information is available for each new Diplomate at www.ACVO.org, 

in the members section. 

Drs. Carl Budelsky, Martin Coster, J. Seth Eaton, Sinisa 

Grozdanic, Nathan Kice, Joanna Duckworth Norman, Christina 

Sandberg and John Warren. 

{ ACVO OFFICER ELECTIONS } 

Thank you to the new offi cers willing to serve the Diplomates of 

the ACVO. Please welcome Dr. Joe Wolfer as the ACVO’s newest 

Regent. Dr. David Whitley has been elected to serve as ABVS 

Alternate Representative. Dr. Carmen Colitz was elected to serve 

as President-Elect and Dr. Brian Gilger as Vice President. Special 

thanks go out to Dr. Bob Munger, outgoing Past-President, for his 

years of service and his SECOND term as President of the ACVO. 

A warm thank you goes out to all of the Committee members who 

continue to serve the ACVO year after year. We THANK YOU all! 

{ 2010 DIPLOMATE DUES REMINDER } 

Populated dues forms have been mailed to members and a 

general dues form is included in this newsletter. If you would 

rather renew online please go to www.ACVO.org. Dues are due by 

January 31, 2010. 

{ NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS IN 2009-2010 } 

Wiley-Blackwell Discounts for Active Diplomates 

Wiley-Blackwell will be offering a 25% discount off all Wiley book 

titles to Active and Emeritus Diplomates effective immediately, 

through July 2010 or until further notice. For Diplomates to take 

advantage of this special benefi t, simply enter the promotion code 

SDP29 when purchasing books from www.Wiley.com. Active 

and Emeritus Diplomates will also have the option of utilizing the 

discount over the telephone by calling their customer service 

number and providing the code to a representative. 

Here is the direct link to your savings area on the website 

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-390563.html. 

For more information on veterinary medicine publications available 

from Wiley-Blackwell, go to www.wiley.com/go/veterinary. 

ACVO BOARD OF REGENTS 

{ SECRETARY/TREASURER } 

Dr. Michael Paulsen 

(817) 483-8762 

{ REGENT } 

Dr. Robert English 

(919) 319-3348 

{ REGENT } 

Dr. Nick Millichamp 

(979) 845-2351 

{ REGENT } 

Dr. Joseph Wolfer 

(416) 232-0211 

{ 2008/2009 BYLAWS MOTION RESULTS } 

Below are the voting results on the bylaws motion proposed by 

Drs. Charles Parshall and William Miller at the ACVO business 

meeting, November 6, 2009 in Chicago, IL. Votes were collected 

via mailed ballot between October 16 and November 13th with 

votes postmarked as late as the 13th counted. Votes were also 

cast during the business meeting. Only one vote was permitted 

per eligible Diplomate. All Active and Emeritus Diplomates were 

eligible to vote. 

Voting results: The motion to amend the bylaws did not pass. 

Number of Diplomates eligible to vote: 330 

Number required for passage of a bylaws amendment (2/3 of 

eligible voters): 220 

Number of total votes received: 266 (80% of diplomates voted) 

Number present (signed in) at the business meeting: 203 (50 

already voted via mail; 12 abstained) 

Number required for quorum (1/3 of eligible voters): 110 

(applies to ability to take action at business meeting, not the ballot) 

Summary of votes Yes No Could not 

be counted 

Total 

Mailed in (before and 

after meeting) 

72 48 15 135 

Voted at meeting 20 111 0 131 

TOTAL 92 159 15 266 

{ REFERRAL LISTINGS FOR DIPLOMATES ONLINE } 

ACVO rolled out another benefi t of Active Diplomate status this 

Fall. Your clients and referring doctors can now search for your 

services by ‘species treated’ and/or search for you as a possible 

public speaker for their event. 

If you haven’t already signed up to participate in this information 

exchange, please go to the member area of the website and look 

for the digital sign up form. You may want to visit the public and 

member area of the website to check your listings for accuracy. 

Thank you for your involvement in the ACVO. We look forward to 

continuing to serve you. 

{ PUBLIC REGENT } 

Linda Eads 

(214) 768-2581 

{ ABVS REPRESENTATIVE } 

Dr. David Whitley 

(515) 294-4900 

{ ABVS ALT. REPRESENTATIVE } 

Currently Vacant 

{ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR } 

Stacee Daniel 

(208) 466-7624 

{ ACVO OFFICE INFORMATION } 

PO Box 1311 

Meridian, ID 83680 

offi ce10@acvo.org 

Ph: (208) 466-7624 

Fx: (208) 466-7693 

www.acvo.org 

{ “THE ACVO VIEW” } 

Edited by Stacee Daniel

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

{ BOARD OF REGENTS } 

The Board of Regents recently voted in a series of new policies 

that are now required by IRS. This includes new policies 

addressing confl icts of interest, compensation, document retention 

and destruction, joint venture and whistle-blowing. IRS is requiring 

that all non-profi ts make these policies available via their 990 form 

fi led for 2009, which is public. 

We are also working in the offi ce to develop a comprehensive 

Policies & Procedures document for operations and committees. As 

soon as this document is completed and indexed it will be posted in 

the member area of the website. 

{ CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE } 

by Dr. David Maggs 

All Applicants wishing to take the ACVO Certifying examination in 

2010 along with all Supervising Diplomates associated with any 

part of their residency program should submit their credentials so 

as to ensure RECEIPT at the ACVO offi ce before 5pm Mountain 

Time Jan 22nd 2010. Applicants and their Supervising Diplomates 

are STRONGLY encouraged to submit before 5pm Jan 8th 2010 

to take advantage of the early document check, which provides an 

opportunity to correct defi ciencies. Please use the current 2010 

forms and follow the current guidelines, which are available in the 

“Resident Forms” section on the acvo.org website. Full 

information about the Credentialing process is available in the 

Credentials Committee’s Policies and Procedures document which 

may be found at the same location. Please address any enquiries 

not answered by reading these documents to David Maggs, 

Credentials Chair, at credentials@acvo.org. 

{ GENETICS COMMITTEE } 

by Dr. Katie Diehl 

We would like to extend thanks to Andras Komaromy, for his efforts 

not only as a member and previous chair of our committee, but also 

for organizing the recent genetics update symposium in conjunction 

with the Chicago annual meeting. We would also like to thank both 

CERF and Optigen for their generous sponsorship of the genetics 

update symposium, and CERF for continued fi nancial and 

administrative support of our committee. 

“Blue Book” Updates 

Also with the help of CERF, the most current (2009 Version of the 

5th Edition of the CD “Ocular Disorders Presumed to be 

Inherited in Purebred Dogs”) blue book is now available to 

diplomates ONLINE!! It can be found/accessed on the ACVO 

website under the CERF section with password protection. This will 

not only allow improved access, but also potentially more frequent 

updates or at least corrections to any clerical errors. Information 

and changes generated from breed statistic analysis and reference 

review/additions, as well as other revisions (we are working on 

overhauling the glossary – eventually complete with photographs; 

the individual breed page defi nitions – to only include specifi c 

information only, with the general descriptions going just to the 

glossary; outdated or erroneous references; updates to the genetic 

testing information/table; etc.) will still occur annually with new 

versions either yearly or every two years. The next version is 

planned for 2010 and the committee and CERF are working on 

processing those edits. Pertinent changes will be announced/ 

highlighted in the fall newsletter as well as obviously on the new CD 

itself and via the then updated online version, and possibly other 

avenues (email, etc.). Again, while for now we refer you to 

“...that light shall prevail over darkness...” 

the specifi c pages in the 2009 CD for information, a correction and 

reiteration of some of the more important previous changes follow: 

1) 2009 “Blue Book” Correction 

Rhodesian Ridgeback entropion condition breeding 

recommendation is NO. At the request of the breed club this was 

changed prior to the 2009 blue book, but is in error there (still 

listed as breeder option). This will be corrected for 2010 version 

and beyond. 

2) 2009 “Blue Book” Reminders/Recall Important Changes 

The breeding recommendation for Labrador Retrievers and 

Samoyeds diagnosed with “retinal dysplasia – folds” will be 

changed from “No” to “breeder option” if the owner of the dog 

provides the CERF offi ce with results of the DNA test for the 

affected dog showing that it is not a carrier of the oculoskeletal 

dysplasia (OSD) mutation. So far, very few such breeding 

recommendations have been changed, but per discussion at our 

recent meeting in Chicago, the CERF offi ce will contact the 

examining diplomate via email with any such “reversals”. 

3) Introduction/Guideline Revision 

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) was added to the list of disorders 

under the “Blue Book” guidelines with an unequivocal 

recommendation against breeding in all breeds. The prudent 

approach is to assume keratitis consistent with KCS to be 

hereditary except in cases suspected/known to be non-genetic 

(drug induced, neurogenic, etc.) in origin. 

2010 CERF Form Change 

To allow better (more accurate and consistent) description, 

documentation and thus analysis of now recognized retinopathies 

of the Coton de Tulear and Swedish Vallhund breeds, as well as 

possibly others, we are adding a bubble (with option for OD, OS 

or both) to the CERF form: retinopathy. The word retinopathy will 

be removed from the above line for retinal dysplasia with 

subcategories for each eye of folds, geographic and detached, but 

that line/diagnosis and designations will remain. 

CERF Form Reminders 

We are requesting diplomates perform microchip scanning to 

verify the identity of dogs and remind you of the previous addition 

of a bubble on the CERF form that can be fi lled in if this was done: 

“This dog’s microchip has been scanned and matches the number 

provided on the form.” Please use it! 

Please send in your forms in a timely manner! If you batch your 

CERF forms for submission, please send any 2009 forms ASAP. 

Receiving these promptly in the new year allows us to perform 

more accurate breed statistics and analysis, thus more effi ciently 

generating a better blue book. 

Stray marks on CERF forms delay processing and thus data 

collection and analysis; please keep them as “clean” as possible. 

Finally, please record what you see especially if it is not 

describable by a bubble and/or if an “other – described in 

comments” bubble is marked – then describe it! Conditions are 

tracked and potentially added to breed pages or CERF form 

based on the information we collect and analyze. We are thus 

limited by the data we receive. 

(continued on page 7)


{ 3rd ANNUAL ACVO NATIONAL SERVICE DOG 

EYE EXAM EVENT, MAY, 2010} 

ACVO 

MERIAL 

® 

by Stacee Daniel 

The 3rd annual Service Dog event will take place during the 

month of May, 2010. Thanks to all of you who are able to 

participate in this fantastic event. The collective efforts of our 

ophthalmologists and the individual stories behind the animals are 

what attract the press and increase coverage of the specialty. 

The 2010 Event - May 

Last year over 160 Diplomates provided services to about 1,600 

Service Dogs, garnering press coverage to 4-5 million 

individuals in various US markets. This press coverage is not 

comprehensive and does not include any online coverage 

received. In 2010 the event will be much the same with one 

exception, the event will be advertised as taking place during the 

entire month of May. Your clinic’s participation dates and hours 

are at your discretion, we will advertise to clients on the website 

that they need to contact individual clinics to determine the dates/ 

hours when services are being offered. The hope is to increase 

awareness of the program and to provide our Diplomates with 

more fl exibility in scheduling. 

The Public Relations Committee and I are continuing to 

accelerate our efforts to increase the number of animals treated 

and the press coverage received during this next event, but we 

need your help…This year please try to contact your local Service 

Dog organizations, police and fi re department, and military 

agencies to invite them to participate. ACVO does its best to 

reach national organizations to invite their members to participate, 

but not all of these yet endorse this program. We also do not 

have the ‘man-power’ to investigate local groups where each of 

our participating ophthalmologists are located. ACVO needs your 

efforts on a local level to increase clients attending and hopefully 

local press coverage. If you have contact information but are not 

able to make the contacts yourself please at least forward these to 

our offi ce. If we have enough time we will try to invite those local 

organizations. 

Sponsor Relationships 

In November, Dr. Joe Wolfer and I fl ew to Georgia to meet with 

our primary sponsor, Merial. This visit was an effort to have a little 

‘face-time’ with those in charge and further build our working 

relationship. They had some great suggestions that we will 

employ. We are happy to report that even though they are going 

through multiple company merges, they were supportive of the 

program and approved funding and an integrated internal 

marketing effort for the 2010 event. Other sponsors will be 

approached to help with the event, please send suggestions our 

way if you have them. 

AVMA Blanket Program Endorsement 

This is the fi rst year that ACVO has received early, blanket 

endorsement of the Service Dog program from the AVMA. We 

were pleased to receive this support and their offer to help 

promote the program to their members through AVMA’s internal 

communications and publications. The AVMA and Merial’s efforts 

to integrate promotion of this event into their internal marketing 

PUBLIC RELATIONS 

programs is indeed a boon to the event and will continue to place 

the veterinary ophthalmologist profession in front of the eyes of 

referring doctors. 

Video in Development 

Dr. Wolfer is developing a video to promote the Service Dog 

event. It will be developed in a similar style to the cataract video 

currently on the website and on YouTube. Ultimately this 2-3 

minute clip will become a portion of an ACVO video promoting 

veterinary ophthalmology and its technology. The ACVO video 

should be produced within the next year and will be used on the 

website, YouTube, at the AVMA conference and various other 

ways. As a Diplomate you will of course have access to these 

videos just as you have had access to the cataract video. 

Service Dog Booth at AVMA 

The Board of Regents approved an idea I proposed, to develop 

a Service Dog Eye Exam booth at the AVMA annual conference. 

The idea here is to develop a booth that promotes the Service 

Dog program for client referrals but also educates the general 

practitioner about the specialty. This booth may include pictures 

and descriptions of various technologies that make your intricate 

work possible, likely the video of the Service Dog event, along 

with various educational materials. In the past most Colleges 

have used the AVMA booth to try to attract new residents into the 

specialty, I propose we take a different approach and show them 

how generous and talented our veterinary ophthalmologists are, 

hopefully resulting in more educated referrals both in and outside 

of the Service Dog program. (As a side note I could use some 

volunteers to help me man the booth at the conference. Please 

call if you plan to attend AVMA and do not mind donating a couple 

hours of time.) 

Board of Regents, Ongoing Approval with your Support 

The Board of Regents has approved running this event for the 

next three years, 2010, 2011, and 2012, assuming that the 

Diplomates continue to want to participate. Because the event 

has been run very frugally, we should be able to fund it for three 

years even if sponsorship is not available in the future. Those 

sponsor dollars are also being used to fund the videos I previously 

spoke to and the AVMA exhibit booth that we propose to develop. 

Ultimately, we need YOU to help us make this event a success. 

If you haven’t already signed up for the 2010 event please do so 

on the form provided on the back of the dues renewal form in this 

newsletter or submit your commitment at 

www.ACVOeyeexam.org, where more information about the 

program is available. 

{ WEBSITES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES } 

Website functionality update 

This spring we will work to maximize functionality and 

searchability of the ACVO website. This should enable you 

and the public to fi nd what you need quickly. ACVO has also 

purchased the www.ACVOeyeexam.org website to promote that 

event, and the www.ACVOconference.org website to promote 

the annual conference. Keep these sites in mind when looking 

for related information. Using these new URLs helps us keep 

important information from becoming buried while being more 

accessible for the public. 

(continued on page 8)

Sunny San Diego, California welcomes you in 2010! We have 

booked a luxurious, family-friendly facility about 10 minutes 

outside of downtown San Diego. Paradise Point Resort & Spa 

(www.paradisepoint.com ) offers luxury accommodations and 

lodging on a private area of Mission Bay Beach, with intimate, 

single-level bungalows, each with private patios looking out 

across the gardens, lagoon or 

gentle waters of the bay. On 

site enjoy the beach, pool, 

gardens, and old Hollywood 

paraphernalia left over from 

classic movies fi lmed on the 

property over the years. You 

may want to relax on the 

beach and watch the seals 

play. 

Downtown San Diego is a 

quick 10 minute trip. It offers 

fantastic shopping, nightlife, 

tours of the US Naval Aircraft 

Carrier the USS Midway, 

sailing, boat tours and 

waterside dining. Or you may want to head about 10 minutes 

north to romantic La Jolla Beach and tour the art galleries. San 

ACVO CONFERENCE - SAN DIEGO 2010 


Diego is a mecca for kids with SeaWorld located across the 

street from the Resort, Lego Land and the renowned San Diego 

Wild Animal Park nearby. 

Whenever possible we will offer outdoor functions and are 

working on organizing a private function for our attendees at 

SeaWorld. The program for the 

meeting should provide 

attendees with approximately 20 

hours of CE with the general 

session meeting format. Breakouts 

will be considered as the program 

develops. A practice management 

and genetics meeting will be 

offered along with 1-2 labs. 

Specifi c information regarding 

program content will be available 

on the website May 1st. 

We invite you to join us and enjoy 

the sights and sounds of one of the 

most enjoyable cities in California. 

More information will be posted at www.ACVOconference.org.


VISION FOR ANIMALS FOUNDATION 

{ 2009 VAF GRANTS } 

Congratulations 2009 Vision for Animals Foundation Award 

Winners 

Our congratulations go out to the following Vision for Animals 

Foundation Grant winners for 2009-2010. Each grant winner will 

receive $5,000 toward funding their grant research. 

Thank you to everyone who continually supports the Foundation 

to help fund these annual grants. The VAF’s fi nancial goal is to 

accumulate 1-1.5 million dollars in reserve to become a 

self-funding granting institution, therefore they sincerely 

appreciate your continued support to reach this goal. Hopefully 

in years to come the VAF will be able to fund additional research 

grants, including Diplomates’ work. 

1. Dr. Dylan Buss - Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Giuliano, University of 

Missouri – Columbia. Title: “MMC: A potential inhibitor of corneal 

fi brosis in horses”. 

2. Dr. David J. Haeussler - Mentor: Dr. David Wilkie, The 

Ohio State University Title: “The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on 

Lenticular Epithelial Migration In Vitro”. 

3. Dr. Patricia Mundy - Mentor: Dr. Eric Ledbetter, Cornell 

University Title: “Cyclophosphamide reactivation of latent canine 

herpesvirus-1”. 

4. Dr. Diana Pate - Mentor: Dr. Alison Clode, North Carolina State 

University. Title: “Immunohistochemical and Immunopathologic 

Characterization of Superfi cial Stromal Immune Mediated Keratitis 

in Horses”. 

{ YOU TOO CAN HAVE YOUR OWN “EYE-TO-EYE” 

STATUE! } 

Many of you enjoyed viewing the 

“Eye-to-Eye” statue that was 

commissioned by Dr. David Ramsey 

this fall. The original statue, created 

by sculptor Jim Gion, was featured 

on the cover of the AVMA Journal. 

Dr. Ramsey then donated the 

sculpture to the ACVO Vision for 

Animals Foundation auction where 

it fetched a price of over $5,000 

(buyer name excluded for privacy). 

Mr. Gion has offered to provide a 

limited number of maquette, or 

miniature statues to ACVO diplomates for purchase. You will 

receive a limited edition “Eye-to-Eye” sculpture (approximately 50) 

at a reduced rate which includes a donation to the VAF. Mr. Gion 

has offered to produce these on order without expense to the 

ACVO or the Foundation. 

Details regarding the price and ordering instructions will be 

available off the ACVO and VAF websites in the coming months. 

Notifi cation will also be sent out via email to diplomates in 

late January. We hope many of you will be able to take advantage 

of this offer. You will be able to enjoy this beautiful statue in your 

home or offi ce, while also helping out the Foundation. 

{ VAF FUNDRAISERS FOR 2009 } 

Thank you to all who donated to the Vision for 

Animals Foundation programs in 2009! Estimates 

show that donations should total about 60K this 

year. Grants were funded for 20K and Foundation 

expenses ran around $6,000 in total. If you would 

like to help the Foundation reach its goal of 

1 million to become self funding, consider 

supporting the below programs or donations. 

100% is tax deductible in accordance with IRS. 

Financial Summary: 

Pet letter donations - $4,500 

Public donations - $21,000 

BSC (from 2008) - $18,000 

Auction - ~$11,000 

Interest - ~$4,500 

{ PET LETTERS FOR NEGATIVE DIAGNOSIS PETS } 

Please consider donating to the VAF in your clients’ names. One 

Diplomate approached the VAF with a great idea, making 

donations to the VAF on behalf of clients that are diagnosed with 

incurable or ongoing illnesses. The VAF will customize a letter on 

behalf of your clinic for each client. In the past, letters have been 

sent primarily for deceased pets, why not extend the program to 

long-term diagnosis patients too? In exchange for a minimum $10 

tax deductible donation a letter will be sent to your client that a 

donation has been made to VAF in the name of their pet. They 

also receive a brochure explaining the VAF’s working, and also 

includes an additional donation option for the client. You can 

deduct these donations from your taxes while building client 

relationships. Contact Jennifer at the ACVO if you are interested 

in this program.

CERF exam issues 

CERF and our committee receive many breeder complaints 

about inconsistencies and other issues with the performance of 

exams. Obviously the system is not perfect and has a 

tremendous number of variables, including relying on initially 

hopefully honest and accurate information from the client as well 

as the diplomate exam (from the “procedure” with pre-dilation 

exam when indicated by breed and possible conditions*, 

pharmacologic mydriasis, bimicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy, to 

completion of the form). We request that diplomates please do 

their part! To that end, as well as our part with the information, 

we are pursuing the following avenues: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Revising/updating Dr. Nancy Bromberg’s “Guidelines 

for completing the CERF form” pamphlet and distributing 

it to all members. 

Creating an online forum offered to ACVO and ECVO 

diplomates and residents to promote discussion on 

particular fi ndings made during CERF examination, 

which may be subject to interpretation. This is currently 

in the works, with separate announcements with specifi c 

details to come. 

Hopefully to come in 2010 (pending approval by the 

ACVO program committee and appropriate 

arrangements/organization), offering a “CERF screening 

interactive forum” symposium in conjunction with the 

ACVO annual meeting in San Diego. This would/will be 

an informal, lesion-photograph-based, round table 

discussion of issues that arise during CERF 

examinations. Again, separate announcements with 

specifi c details will be forthcoming. 

Including as up-to-date as possible (as it is changing so 

rapidly) genetic testing information in the blue book. 

Holding the genetics update symposium in conjunction 

with the recent ACVO annual meeting in Chicago. 

Finally, the CERF offi ce will also notify diplomates in 

writing of any complaints received. 

* This is a major/common focus of complaints by breeders of 

breeds with iris lesions. 

Gonioscopy form 

Despite some questions/concerns over the consistency, accuracy 

and validity, thus value/predictability of the data, the genetics 

committee is trying to honor previous breed club requests (which 

we invite) by creating a gonioscopy form. Though currently 

several personal “forms” or at least grading systems exist, as well 

as an “offi cial” form through OFA, CERF and the committee are 

working on a consensus version that will hopefully be 

user-friendly and allow initially just more standardized data 

collection. Once created, it would/will be available through CERF 

for use as elected by breeders and diplomates, and certainly 

subject to revision as necessary. 


(Credentials Committee report continued from page 3) That’s our report for now, but please feel free to contact the Chair 

or any other member of the Genetics Committee with questions or 

concerns that you may have. The current members of the 

Genetics Committee are Katie Diehl (Chair), Nicole MacLaren, 

Joshua Bartoe, Michel Carrier, Patricia Gearhart, Jacqueline 

Pearce, and Alan Brightman. Carrie Breaux serves as CERF 

liaison. Outgoing members are Bernhard Spiess and Denise 

Lindley. New members are Gia Klauss and Cameron Whittaker. 

We would also like to encourage interested ACVO Diplomates 

to consider volunteering their services as members the Genetics 

Committee in the future – we so appreciate those who have and 

will likely be contacting you in upcoming years. 

Congratulations to the 

2009 ACVO Resident Award Winners: 

I-Med Pharma - Dr. Cynthia Wheeler Memorial Award: 

Dr. Peter Accola, University of Georgia 

Acrivet - Best Clinical Paper: 

Dr. Sara Thomasy, UC Davis 

Acrivet - Best Research Paper: 

Dr. Kenneth Pierce, Michigan State University


(Public Relations continued from page 4) 

Social Networking Sites 

ACVO is also looking into using social networking sites like 

Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to help promote the practice of 

veterinary ophthalmology to those who rely more on these forms 

of communication than a static website. I have some concerns 

regarding liability but am working that out with our insurance 

agent. 

ACVO.org Expansion 

ACVO.org expanded this year to include a new members-only 

section called ‘the evolution of the College’. This area of the site 

addresses specifi c concerns as it relates to the bylaws, committee 

changes and policies and procedures. We also added the referral 

by species and speaking referral areas to the member and public 

areas of the site. We will continue to explore new ways to better 

serve our members. 

{ONLINE BROCHURES } 

Beginning February 1st ACVO will post new Cataract, Glaucoma, 

KCS, PRA, SARDS and ACVO brochures. These will be 

available in a high-quality digital format for members to download 

to print at their local or our recommended printer. They can then 

be customized with your contact information. ACVO will no longer 

handle management of printing and they will be free for Active and 

Emeritus Diplomates. Special thanks to the members of the Public 

Relations Committee for wrapping up this project. 

CALENDAR 

February 2-5, 2010 

2010 Veterinary Specialists in Private Practice (VSIPP) 6th 

Annual Conference 

New Orleans, AZ 

www.vsipp.com 

February 5-7, 2010 

Midwest Veterinary Ophthalmology Society (MWVOS) 

The Renaissance by Marriott 

Asheville, NC 

Contact: Renee@wedgewoodpharmacy.com 

April 30-May 1, 2010 

Southeastern Veterinary Ophthalmology Society (SEVOS) 

Lido Beach Resort; Sarasota, FL 

Contact: Debbie, (904)998-7805. 

May 2010 

ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event 

www.acvoeyeexam.org 

May 2-6, 2010 

ARVO Annual Meeting 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 

www.arvo.org 

May 13-16, 2010 

EVO Conference (hosted by European Society of Veterinary 

Ophthalmology) 

Malahide, Dublin, Ireland 

www.evo2010.com 

May 28-29, 2010 

2010 ECVO Conference (hosted by the European College of 

Veterinary Ophthalmologists) 

Berlin, Germany 

www.ECVOconference.org 

June 4-5, 2010 

International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC) 

University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria 

www.equineophtho.com 

June 21-July 2, 2010 

European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies 

Ophthalmology 

University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg 

www.esavs.net 

August 2, 2010 

ACVO Image Recognition Examination 

August 3, 2010 

ACVO Written Examination 

August 12-14, 2010 

ACVO Practical Examination 

North Carolina State University 

October 6-9, 2010 

ACVO Annual Conference 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa 

San Diego, CA 

www.ACVOconference.org


MASSACHUSETTS VETERINARY RERFERRAL 

HOSPITAL is seeking a third ophthalmologist. 

As a staff specialist with Massachusetts Veterinary Referral 

Hospital, you can expect an excellent working environment, 

competitive compensation, and growth opportunities at all levels 

of the organization. Compensation is production based with 

a fi rst year guarantee based on experience. Benefi ts include: 

comprehensive medical, dental, fl exible spending account, 

long-term disability, short-term disability, life and 401K and profi t 

sharing plan. We also provide you with a generous allowance 

to cover meetings, professional development and related fees. 

Applicants should be ACVO board certifi ed or have completed 

residency training with intent to take the certifi cation exam. 

Third year residents with commitments through July 2010 are 

also encouraged to apply. Applications are being accepted 

immediately and will continue until the position is fi lled. A current 

curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three references 

should be sent to Dr. Timothy H. Smith, Regional Medical 

Director, tsmith@intownvet.com ; telephone (781) 305-2266. 

SEEKING BOARD-CERTIFIED OR BOARD 

ELIGIBLE OPHTHALMOLOGIST, BLUEPEARL 

VETERINARY PARTNERS, FL, NY, KS, MN, & TN 

BluePearl Veterinary Partners is seeking board-certifi ed or board 

eligible ophthalmologist to join our growing staff of specialists. 

Presently we have employment opportunity in our new hospital in 

Nashville. Join our team of board certifi ed specialists, working in 

state-of-the-art facilities, supported by well trained staff and very good 

management in major specialty hospitals. We encourage you to help 

us defi ne specialty medicine for our profession and for the future. 

Compensation is excellent, professional stimulation and 

teamwork is tremendous, quality of life is superb and buyin 

opportunities exist. All inquires are kept confi dential. 

Contact Dr. Neil Shaw, DACVIM, Chief Medical Offi cer, 

at 813-758-8361 or NeilShaw@BluePearlPartners.com. 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST NEEDED – EASTERN IOWA 

Eastern Iowa Veterinary Specialty Center (www.eivsc.com) is looking 

for a board certifi ed ophthalmologist. We have been successfully 

offering part time ophthalmology services and have determined 

that the market is ready to support a full time ophthalmologist. 

Our 8,100 sq ft facility is located between Iowa City and Cedar 

Rapids. Compensation based on percentage with guaranteed 

minimum and excellent benefi ts! Contact Alyce D’Amato, CVT, 

CVPM, Executive Director at 920-882-4301 or adamato@ 

horizondvm.com. 4706 New Horizons Blvd., Appleton, WI 54914. 

SEEKING BOARD-CERTIFIED OR BOARD-ELIGIBLE 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST FOR FULL OR PART-TIME POSITION, 

MEDVET EYE CENTER FOR PETS OF CINCINNATI, OH 

We are offering excellent pay and benefi ts including 401K match, 

medical insurance with optional health savings account or fl exsave, 

dental insurance, and a generous continuing education stipend. 

Columbus and Cincinnati each have a population of over two 

million. Please visit our website at www.medvetohio.com. 

Send CV to: Eric Schertel, DVM, PhD, DACVS; Cell phone: (614)774- 

9002; schertel@medvetohio.com. All inquires are confi dential. 

ANIMAL EYE CARE ASSOCIATES. VETERINARY 

OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATE WANTED. 

Come join us in the beautiful Mid Atlantic area of the East Coast. We 

have several opportunities available for Veterinary ophthalmologists 

from Maryland to the Carolinas. If you enjoy a group atmosphere, like 

practicing with other specialists, and want to live near the beach (and 

PRIVATE PRACTICE POSITIONS 

only hours from the Appalachian mountains) please give us a call. 

We have opportunities for full time and part time ophthalmologists 

and opportunities for becoming an owner of a practice if desired. 

Please contact Bob English (919-319-3348, 

visionrecords@mac.com), Brad Nadelstein (757-366- 

9060, bradeyedoc@hotmail.com), or Anne Weigt (301- 

362-5252, anne@weigts.com) for more information. 

SEEKING A BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGIST 

OR ONE WHO HAS COMPLETED RESIDENCY 

TRAINING, MASS-RI VETERINARY ER 

Mass-RI Veterinary ER, a young, growing 24-hour emergency 

facility in SE Massachusetts is branching into specialty 

services and is seeking a board certifi ed or board-eligible 

ophthalmologist. We offer a 4-day work week, base salary with 

production bonus, 401K, CE, Medical, Dental and more. Time 

off available to those needing to study for board examination. 

Interested applicants please contact Dr. Lampe at 508- 

730-1112 or e-mail CV to MassRIVetER@gmail.com. 

SEEKING A BOARD CERTIFIED OR RESIDENCY TRAINED 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST - MICHIGAN VETERINARY SPECIALISTS 

Michigan Veterinary Specialists is seeking a board certifi ed 

or residency trained ophthalmologist. We offer an excellent 

compensation package with a complete benefi t package and more. 

Join one of the most highly regarded specialty hospitals in 

North America. Visit our website at www.michvet.com. For 

more information call Terri Morris, LVT at 248-912-5670 

or email a cover letter and curriculum vitae to tamorris@ 

michvet.com or contact Dan Lorimer, DVM, Diplomate ACVO. 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST WANTED - EYE CARE FOR ANIMALS 

ECFA currently seeking a full time ophthalmologist to join our 

expanding company. We offer excellent pay and full benefi ts 

including medical, dental, extensive continuing education 

opportunities, and paid vacation and sick time. Apply at 

careers@eyecareforanimals.com. www.eyecareforanimals.com 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST, CHICAGO AREA, ANIMAL EYE 

CONSULTANTS has 1 position available for a motivated 

board-certifi ed ophthalmologist. We have 4 suburban Chicago 

offi ces: 3 stand-alone and 1 in Illinois’ largest multispeciality 

referral center. Variable part-time and full time schedules 

can accommodate life-style considerations. Compensation 

is handsome: 31% of gross income earned; full time benefi ts 

include health, dental, vision, disability insurance, term life 

insurance, money purchase and profi t sharing retirement plan 

(~$60,000 per year worth of direct benefi ts that are corporate paid) 

Other benefi ts include moving expenses, association dues, etc. 

DR. DENISE LINDLEY 847-695-1111, 708-227-4949 CELL 

BOARD-CERTIFIED OR QUALIFIED 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST WANTED, CALIFORNIA BAY AREA 

Veterinary Vision is seeking board-certifi ed or qualifi ed colleagues 

to join our private practice in the California Bay Area. The position 

offers a three or four-day work-week and future partnership 

potential. Salary potential is excellent, based on experience, 

motivation and individual production. We offer an attractive 

fringe benefi t program that includes a Profi t Sharing Plan and 

401K. Contact Cynthia Cook, cscook@VeterinaryVision.com 

BOARDED OR BOARD-ELIGIBLE 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST WANTED, SAN ANTONIO, TX 

South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology (STVO) is the sole 

ophthalmology practice that serves San Antonio and south Texas. 

The practice is located in a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital with

PRIVATE PRACTICE & UNIVERSITY POSITIONS 

a staff of over 50 dedicated professionals in a variety of disciplines, 

including ophthalmology, dermatology, surgery, radiology, internal 

medicine, and emergency and critical care. STVO maintains an 

excellent caseload and all the desirable ophthalmic equipment. 

Candidates for this position should be board-certifi ed or board-eligible. 

Salary is highly competitive, plus a generous benefi ts package. 

Emergency coverage is fl exible, but well rewarded. The position 

can be full time or part time. Contact Dr. Marc Rainbow at 210-478- 

8232 or e-mail (rainbowvet@yahoo.com) for further information. 

BOARD CERTIFIED OR BOARD ELIGIBLE 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST WANTED, DELAWARE 

The Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware is seeking a board 

certifi ed or board-eligible Veterinary Ophthalmologist to join a 

growing multi-specialty hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region. Come 

join the only multi-specialty and emergency referral practice 

in the state of Delaware. Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Bowersox, 

DACVO at 302-691-3647 for further details. www.VSCDel.com 

CLINICAL-TRACK OPHTHALMOLOGIST POSITION - 

UNIVERSITY OF MN, COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine invites 

applications for an Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor position 

in Ophthalmology. This is a full-time, non-tenure track appointment 

in Ophthalmology that is available beginning November 1, 2009. 

12 month appointment Term with annual renewable contract. 

Preference will be given to individuals who are board certifi ed 

by ACVO and have clinical and teaching experience in 

ophthalmology. Qualifi cations include: DVM/VMD or equivalent 


veterinary degree, successful completion of an ophthalmology 

residency by start date, eligibility for or certifi cation by the ACVO, 

and evidence of outstanding clinical and interpersonal skills. 

Qualifi ed applicants should apply online at http:// 

employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=83470. 

TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 

AT THE LEVEL OF ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE 

PROFESSOR, WESTERN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY 

MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN 

The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will 

include: Quality instruction in ophthalmology to undergraduate and 

postgraduate veterinary students; participation in clinical teaching; 

participation in ophthalmology clinical service at the Veterinary 

Teaching Hospital; and contributions to continuing education. 

Scholarship and research in ophthalmology will be encouraged and 

expected. Extensive opportunities for collaborative research exist 

within the College and the University. Applicants must possess a 

DVM. degree or its equivalent and must be eligible for licensure 

to practice veterinary medicine in Saskatchewan. Candidates will 

require board certifi cation with the American College of Veterinary 

Ophthalmology (ACVO) or be eligible for board certifi cation with 

ACVO. Applications and curriculum vitae, including the names and 

addresses of three referees, should be submitted to Dr. K. Post, Head, 

Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College 

of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus 

Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4 Canada; telephone 

(306)966-7099; fax (306)966-7174; e-mail klaas.post@usask.ca. 

Offering Vitreoretinal Surgery in two locations 

to conveniently serve our East and West coast clients. 

Pasadena, CA Wheeling, IL 

Allison Hoffman, DVM, DACVO Steve Sisler, DVM, DACVO 

(626) 564-0202 (847) 215-3933 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD ELIGIBLE AND 

BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS 

Contact Human Resources at (480) 682-6903 or careers@eyecareforanimals.com 

www.eyecareforanimals.com

THE ACVO C O VIEW, PAG PAGE G 8 

® 

{ PO BOX 1311 | MERIDIAN, ID | 83680 }

ACVO 2010 Dues Renewal 

Please take a moment to verify your contact information for the ACVO. Dues renewals are 

due Jan 31 st , 2010 to avoid penalties and to ensure inclusion in the 2010 Directory. You may 

also renew online at www.acvo.org. Please print clearly. 

_____ Link to my web address off of the ACVO web site: ________________________________________________ 

Please let us know the year you were boarded (so we can verify our records): _____________ 

CONTACT INFORMATION: Up to two addresses will be included in the printed directory. Additional addresses may be 

submitted on the back of this form and will be posted on the web site only. (Email and home telephone is never listed in 

the public area.) 

Check all boxes that apply. 

Primary contact information may be used for: 

Primary contact information. Will be used for directory/ 

mailings. 

Members-only area of website 

Public and member areas of website 

Name: _______________________________________ 

Company/Institution: 

_____________________________________________ 

Address: 

_____________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________ 

City: ____________________________ State: _______ 

Postal Code: ___________ Country: _______________ 

Work Phone: (______)_________________________ 

Fax: (______)_________________________ 

Total 2010 Dues: $550.00 ($600.00 after January 31 st ) 

Secondary contact information may be used for: 

If this second address is blank, you may write it below. 

Additional directly listing 

Members-only area of website 

Public and member areas of website 

Name: _______________________________________ 

Company/Institution: 

_____________________________________________ 

Address: 

_____________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________ 

City: ____________________________ State: _______ 

Postal Code: ___________ Country: _______________ 

Work Phone: (______)_________________________ 

Fax: (______)_________________________ 

REQUIRED!! Due to the National Privacy Act we need to request your permission to send emails or faxes by 

signing the form below. You will only receive information that is ACVO related. Thank you. 

Name of person providing consent: ___________________________________________ 

Email: ______________________________ Fax: _________________________ Date: _____________________ 

PAYMENT REMISSION: Please mail checks to, ACVO, PO Box 1311, Meridian, ID 83680. You may fax credit 

payments to 208-466-7693. (You may also renew online at www.acvo.org.) VIN# is optional. 

Type of card (mark one): _____VISA _____MC _____Discover 

Card #: ________________________________________________ Exp Date: __________________Vin #___________ 

Name of Card:_________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________ 

Billing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Total to Charge: $ ______________ DUES WILL BE PAST DUE IF POST MARKED AFTER JAN.31, 2010!

Thank you for agreeing to participate in the 2010 Service Dog event. Please submit one 

registration form for each ophthalmologist participating in your clinic. Submit the contact 

information that you would like to be provided to clients to make appointments. We will use this 

data to calculate the total number of participants. 

As was done in past years, the client will be forced to register prior to being supplied your contact 

information. Once they register they will receive a confirmation with a registration number, they 

should be able to bring this document to your clinic on the day of the appointment. Your personal 

name will not be made available but the client will call the clinic in general to set the appointment, 

which will occur according to your clinic's determination. 

Early commitment on your behalf will help us in our promotional efforts. Please register early 

when possible! 

(*Important note - The date of the event has been changed from one week in length to the entire 

month of May, effectively creating the Service Dog Eye Exam Month. You may still determine 

availability as you see fit for the event, e.g. over one week, one day each week, several 1/2 days 

scattered throughout the month, etc. Clients will be informed to contact your clinic for specific 

dates.) 

OPHTHALMOLOGIST INFORMATION - Please submit one form per doctor. 

Clinic name: ___________________________________________________________________ 

Veterinarian: __________________________________________________________________ 

Street Address: _________________________________________ (where appt will take place) 

City: ________________ State: ________________ Zip/Postal Code: ____________ 

Telephone: _______________________________ (to be provided to client to make appointment) 

Email: (optional) ________________________________________________________________ 

(only if you want clients to make appointments via this method) 

Website: (optional) ______________________________________________________________ 

(for your clinic's promotional purposes) 

Questions or concerns, please contact the ACVO office at 208-466-7624 or via email at 

office09@acvo.org.

Bringing You the 

Science of Sight 

EYE CLEANER & WIPES 

. Two gentle and effective 

methods for removal of 

ocular secretions and 

staining around the eye. 

. No harsh chemicals for 

safety around the eye. 

VISCOELASTIC 

• No refrigeration required. 

• Synthetic 1.8% sodium 

hyaluronate. 

• Non animal 

source. 

www.aventix.ca 

EYE LUBRICANT 

• Extended protection for, and 

adherence to, the cornea during 

anesthesia. 

• Long lasting lubrication for corneal 

surface provides comfort to dry eyes. 

NEW! 25g size & “stand up” tube design 

Exclusively thru MWI Veterinary Specific Ophthalmology Products from AVENTIX 

All Buying Groups

Lower risk of endophthalmitis 

Stable centration 

Less inflammation 

New Orientation 

guide 

Reduced PCO 

Clear view - no rings 

K9-650HSM 

The First and Only Acrylic Foldable Canine 

IOL with Heparin Surface Modification..... 

all the original reasons for using this lens 

plus some new ones..... 

No foreign body reaction 

NAVIJECT Single-use 

Injector and Cartridge 

New Injection injection System system 

New Holder/Folder 

North American Toll Free: (800) 463-1008 Tel.: (514) 685-8118 Fax: (514) 685-8998 

Marc Hollingworth: Direct line (949) 230-9961 e-mail: info@imedpharma.com web page: www.imedpharma.com 

10/2009

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