Formal application was submitted to the AVMA in June 1969, and a request was made for recognition by the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties. Full approval of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists was granted by the AVMA in 1974. Aguirre, Bellhorn, Bistner, Carter, Cello, Donovan, Fischer, Helper, Jensen, Gelatt, Keller, Koch, Krawitz, Lavignette, Magrane, Martin, Parshall, Roberts, Rubin, Severin, Vainisi, Vierheller, Wyman. Many eye problems in veterinary medicine can be managed by general practitioners. However, when the doctor is unsure of the problem or is unable to manage the disease, your regular veterinarian may elect to refer you and your pet to an ophthalmologist.
Many people are under the impression that ophthalmologists deal with glasses to correct vision.
The residency process is similar to a physician who elects to specialize in a certain field seeing only those patients that have eye problems. Once the residency is successfully completed, they must pass a credentials process and then a 4 day examination. After succcessful comletion of the exam process, that person enters the Amercian College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists as a Diplomate. The process is similar in other countries but the ACVO remains the largest certifying body with 175 board certified ophthalmologists worldwide. Some general practitioners have an interest in ophthalmology but are NOT board certified specialists.