Veterinary ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the eyes and their supporting structures. In Singapore, it has become one of the more specialist-led niches in small-animal practice, with advanced surgical options such as cataract removal now available locally.
Both veterinary ophthalmologists and vets with a clinical focus in veterinary ophthalmology diagnose and treat conditions such as corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, retinal disease, and congenital ocular disorders. Tools of the trade include slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, electroretinography, and microsurgical procedures performed under operating microscopes.
While most general-practice vets are trained to treat straightforward eye infections and minor ulcers, an ophthalmology-focused vet is the practitioner who manages non-responsive cases, performs delicate surgery, and handles sight-threatening emergencies.
Eye problems in pets can progress from uncomfortable to sight-threatening within days, particularly with glaucoma or deep corneal ulcers. For owners of pets with persistent squinting, cloudiness, redness, or visible changes in the eye, an ophthalmology consultation is worth seeking sooner rather than later.
