Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Free Eye Exams and Health Checks for Hundreds of Service Dogs

Written by: Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet)

Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Dogster Team

VET APPROVED

Dr. Karyn Kanowski Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

In an exciting initiative spearheaded by MedVet Cincinnati, in conjunction with the annual ACVO®/EPICUR Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening, hundreds of service and working animals will be receiving complimentary eye exams throughout the month of May. In addition, on Sunday, May 18, the MedVet Hospital provided total health checks to service dogs completely free of charge.

The humans are happy, the doggo is not so sure!
The humans are happy, the doggo is not so sure! (Image By: Vanessa Kuonen Cavens DVM, MS, DACVO®)

Maintaining Good Ocular Health and Vision Is Vital

Particularly if you are the eyes and ears of your human, which is why members of the  American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) choose to donate their time each year to this wonderful cause. Thanks to them, more than 86,000 eye exams have been performed.

For over a decade, board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist Vanessa J. Kuonen Cavens, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVO, has participated in the Animal Eye Exam Event at MedVet Cincinnati. Her dedication and commitment to this event have improved health and averted potential diseases for thousands of service animals in Cincinnati and surrounding areas.

Vanessa Kuonen Cavens DVM, MS, DACVO® (on the right) with a very happy Dalmatian!
Vanessa Kuonen Cavens DVM, MS, DACVO® (on the right) with a very happy Dalmatian!

Not only does dog eye health have a significant impact on their overall health and wellbeing, but it also allows them to fulfil the invaluable role they play in the community. After all, we can’t have a seeing-eye dog that cannot see!

Providing Even More Support For Service Animals

This year, thanks to MedVet, service dogs also had access to a free health exam performed on May 18th by experts in the fields of cardiology, dentistry, and orthopedics. MedVet is the largest independent veterinarian-founded, owned, and led network of specialty and emergency hospitals dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to pets and their families, the MedVet team, and referring veterinarians. They provide over 500,000 patient visits every year across the United States. You can learn more by visiting medvet.com.

To qualify for the free ACVO®/EPICUR Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening, service animals must be “active working animals” that have been certified through a formal training program or organization, or currently enrolled in a formal training program, with proof of certification. Active working animals include guide, hearing assistance, drug detection, police/military, search and rescue, therapy, and disability assistance animals. More details are available at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.

Making sure these eyes stay healthy and bright
Making sure these eyes stay healthy and bright (Image By: Vanessa Kuonen Cavens DVM, MS, DACVO®)

Philanthropy At Its Finest

The funding, organization, staffing, and time that goes into an event like this are enormous, relying on the generosity of members and supporters donating time and money to provide this invaluable service. So often, the work, training, and expertise that go on behind the scenes to provide service animals to those in need are overlooked and undervalued. This remarkable event deserves to receive our support and admiration and is an inspiration to the world veterinary community.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.