Local Veterinary Community Unites for Third Annual Coastal Virginia Veterinary Conference
On Saturday, September 27, veterinary professionals from across Southeastern Virginia came together in Virginia Beach for the 2025 Coastal Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (CVVMA) Conference—a full day of advanced continuing education, hands-on labs and peer-to-peer collaboration. What set this conference apart was not just the robust educational lineup or the CE credits offered, but that local veterinarians developed the event for Coastal Virginia’s veterinary community.
Focused on Care: Inside the Ophthalmology Training Program at Animal Vision Center of Virginia
At Animal Vision Center of Virginia, specialized eye care for animals goes together with mentorship, collaboration and a deep sense of purpose. In this Q&A, we hear from Dr. Sydney Hall, who recently completed her internship and is now a first-year Ophthalmology Resident, and Dr. Victoria Perez, currently in her third and [READ MORE]
What Does a Licensed Vet Tech in Ophthalmology Do?
Curious about the role of a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the field of Veterinary Ophthalmology? In this feature, we spotlight two of our LVTs who work closely with veterinary ophthalmologists to ensure the best outcomes for their patients. At Animal Vision Center of Virginia, we are lucky to have two exceptional team members, Jason Ball and Jessica Turman, whose expertise and passion play a crucial role in the care of our furry patients.
When Should Your Pet See an Animal Ophthalmologist?
Your pet’s eyes are red, tearing and swollen. Or it is pawing at the eye or bumping into furniture. It is natural to worry. How do you know if a general veterinarian can help or if you need a specialist? Many of ocular conditions that affect pets are ones that humans may experience, including corneal ulcers, glaucoma, dry eye, and excessive tearing. Some eye conditions, like cherry eye (a prolapsed nictitating gland) or entropion (where the eyelid turns inward), are visible with the naked eye.
AVCVA office manager has a passion for pets—and this practice!
Many pet parents know Melissa Noblett as the “face” of Animal Vision Center of Virginia. As the practice office manager, she makes certain that every visit is a pleasant experience and that they leave with a clear understanding of the treatment plan and future goals. Coastal Virginia’s veterinary [READ MORE]
Helping Service and Working Animals See a Better Life
Since opening Animal Vision Center of Virginia in 2015, Dr. Heather Brookshire has offered free eye-screening exams year-round for service and working animals in Hampton Roads. She has a passion for these furry companions that assist people with daily living needs, as well as working animals that support police and rescue [READ MORE]
Pet Portraits are Up!
We are pleased to unveil the results of our In Focus Pet Photo Contest! View the “gallery roll” of all the stars below or view the artwork in person at our Pembroke Manor House location in Virginia Beach. [READ MORE]
Free Eye Screenings for Local Service Animals in May
There are times when even the most devoted caregivers need a little TLC—even furry ones with four legs. May is National Service Animal Eye Examination Month, and Animal Vision Center of Virginia will perform free eye screenings for local service animals in May for owners who schedule [READ MORE]
Why it’s Important to Keep an “Eye” on your Pet’s Ocular Health
The value of having animals undergo an annual physical checkup is widely known and practiced. But many pet owners don’t always recognize that eyesight quality is just as important for their pet’s overall health. In Focus caught up with Dr. Heather Brookshire, who provided an overview of veterinary ophthalmology and [READ MORE]
Seven Years and Counting
Around this date in 2015, we were just putting the finishing touches on our practice on Old Great Neck Road and opening Animal Vision Center of Virginia for the first time. At our grand opening celebration, we featured tours of our facility, held an agility course and petting zoo on [READ MORE]
Interest in eyes leads to fulfilling profession for Dr. Amanda Romaneck
It was a college lecture that first drew Dr. Amanda Romaneck into the field of veterinary ophthalmology, and she’s been learning, teaching—and now practicing—ever since. As a specialty ophthalmology intern (and soon-to-be resident) with Animal Vision Center of Virginia, she assists Dr. Heather Brookshire with patient exams and [READ MORE]
A shortcut to referrals is just a click away
At Animal Vision Center of Virginia, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality ophthalmic care for both our pet patients—and those of our referring veterinary partners, like you. To help make referrals and consultations easier on your end, we are launching a mobile-friendly Referral & Consultation Request Form especially for our [READ MORE]
Improving Pet Vision is a Passion for Dr. Taylor Belk
Have you met Dr. Taylor Belk? Animal lover, bird watcher and Bulldogs fan, she recently relocated to Virginia Beach to join Animal Vision Center of Virginia (AVCVA) for a three-year ophthalmology residency.
Originally from Macon, Ga., she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources and a Doctor [READ MORE]
New Year, New Goals
Amid this most unusual year, we are grateful for so much—including the relationships we share with our amazing clients, their sweet pets and our Hampton Roads veterinary professionals. We’ve enjoyed seeing you at our drive-up and telehealth appointments, and we send glad tidings for the year ahead. Perhaps like you, our [READ MORE]
Welcome Dr. Taylor Belk and Dr. Amanda Romaneck to AVCVA!
We’re expanding our team to better serve you!
Our family is growing. Animal Vision Center of Virginia opened in 2015 with just one team member extraordinaire and a very busy Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Over the years, we have expanded our staff and practice space incrementally to meet the needs of our [READ MORE]
Treating Pet Patients in the Time of Coronavirus
Just a few months ago, life was so much simpler. We ran errands, met friends after work and hit the gym without a second thought. That changed with the emergence of COVID-19. Faced with health updates that seemed to change by the hour, medical providers, like us, worked swiftly to [READ MORE]
Friendly New Faces at AVCVA!
You may have noticed friendly new faces at Animal Vision Center of Virginia. We are pleased to welcome Jason Ball, veterinary assistant, and Samantha Gossman, our new receptionist.
A Kempsville High School graduate, Jason began working with us in 2019 as an intern from the Tidewater Community College’s Veterinary program, where [READ MORE]
Expansion Plans to Better Serve You
If you’ve stopped by Animal Vision Center of Virginia lately, you’ve may have noticed a little “home improvement” activity in the works. Yes! We are in the process of expanding our practice into roomy new space that has become available next door. When the dust settles in June, we will [READ MORE]
“SEE” Us at the Seaside CE Series
Our friends at The Center of Veterinary Expertise (COVE) have been super busy, handling final arrangements for their second annual continuing education event for the region’s veterinary practitioners. The Seaside CE Series, May 28-31, will bring together local professionals from the veterinary field for a four-day series of classes, courses [READ MORE]
Helping Hard-working Service and Therapy Animals See Clearly
While dogs don’t wear glasses, they do need to have their eyes checked regularly, especially if they are a registered service or therapy animal. May is National Service Dog Eye Examination Month, and many board-certified diplomats of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, like me, will offer free screenings [READ MORE]
Welcome to our Blog!
I couldn’t have asked for a better job. I love what I do and look forward to coming to work each and every day. Seeing our pet patients, meeting their owners and conferring with their family veterinarians are the most gratifying aspects of owning and operating Animal Vision Center of [READ MORE]