Let's talk about ophthalmology

During this interview with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer, dvm360, Caroline Monk, DVM, DACVO, shares the importance of general practitioners performing basic eye tests before referring their cases to the specialist. Throughout the interview, the pair discusses all things ophthalmology from Schirmer tear test, fluorescein staining, simple ulcer treatments, and to why you should consult with an ophthalmologist when your brachycephalic canine patients have constantly wet eyes. Monk also explains to Christman that it is important to educate clients on the importance of hard plastic cones instead of the inflatable collars for patients postoperative eye protection.

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA: What are some things that we should be doing if we are definitely going to be referring our cases over to you? What are some pointers that you can give to those tuning in?

Caroline Monk, DVM, DACVO: You know, I think it's never wrong to take a hand at trying to prescribe some eye drops, especially in like an emergent case like glaucoma or a corneal ulcer. Sometimes primary vets are nervous for prescribing something that we might say actually isn't needed. But typically, like with the price point of ophthalmics, it's not wrong to go ahead and write a prescription...then in there to get them started on something that might ...decline rapidly without intervention in the few days it takes to get in with us.

Christman: RIght? And let's talk about, in the [dermatology] world, we always talk about the dermatologic database, yeah. And in the eye world, walk me through about the basic...essentials that we should be doing [when] doing an eye exam.

Monk: The 3 basic tests that we love to have performed on every patient are a Schirmer tear test, tonometry and fluorescein staining. So those are kind of like the mainstays for our like, bare minimum database that we want to get on every eye. And we love to have that information ahead of time. We probably will repeat it when the pet comes back in, and that's no offense to whoever did the initial test. Things can change, and we like to just have our own numbers in house, but I do recommend, ideally, even if you're an experienced practitioner, you kind of know what's going on. It's really nice to get those numbers, because you can always uncover, you know, a new surprise with regards to what's going on with the patient. And it really is, each one has a very important role in determining next steps for us.

Want to learn more from the team at Blue Pearl Malvern? Check out dvm360's most recent installment of Inside the Clinic with Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) and the rest of the oncology team, plus earn 1.0 CE credit!