TECHNOLOGY & DEDICATION

We have dedicated our practice to offering you the highest level of technology, education, skill and compassion, from consultation to complete ophthalmic services. Leading the care team is Dr. Heather, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, being supported by a highly qualified and dedicated staff.

In addition to our procedures and technical capabilities to the right, Animal Vision Center ensures your pet receives the proper aftercare. And no matter how small the patient or procedure, we are dedicated to follow up and client education to help ensure we are able to catch any potential complications.

COMPLETE OPTHALMIC EXAMINATION & DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES

Animal Vision Center of Virginia will utilize specialized instruments to allow for a more detailed ocular examination than what may be possible with your family veterinarian.

Dr. Heather Brookshire Feline Eye Exam | Animal Vision Center of Virginia

Our Full Examination Process

A slit-lamp biomicroscope will be used to evaluate the front portion of the eye on a microscopic level. This instrument allows for optical sectioning of the eye in a similar fashion to what is possible with histopathology, or tissue sectioning of the globe. Next, the back of the eye, or retina and optic nerve, will be evaluated using indirect ophthalmoscopy and a series of condensing lenses.

Digital anterior and posterior segment photography will be performed to allow for accurate monitoring of disease and precise demonstration of findings for the owner and family veterinarian. Animal Vision Center of Virginia is also equipped with the ability to perform specialized ophthalmic tests such as tonometry and gonioscopy for glaucoma, ocular ultrasound for evaluation of intraocular masses and orbital disease, and electroretinographic testing for retinal disease.

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MEDICAL THERAPY FOR OCULAR CONDITIONS

Animal Vision Center of Virginia keeps a broad range of medications on hand to treat all of your pet’s ophthalmic problems. Our goal is to ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible during treatment, and to aid in the healing process in any way possible.

Topical Antibiotic Medications
For all-encompassing treatment of the full spectrum and variety of corneal ulcers.

Anti-Glaucoma Medications
For sight-preserving and comfort-maintaining therapy designed to help keep elevated eye pressure under control.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications
For treatment of inflammatory and painful eye diseases such as uveitis, and alleviation of post-surgical discomfort.

Analgesic / Pain Medications
To ensure that your pet always remains as comfortable as possible during treatment of his or her ocular condition.

SURGICAL THERAPY FOR OCULAR CONDITIONS

When medicine alone is not an option for treatment, Animal Vision Center of Virginia specializes in a wide range of surgical therapy. Combining the experience of Dr. Heather and the latest technology available, you can be sure your pet is in good hands with Animal Vision Center of Virginia.

  • Eyelid Tacking
  • Ectopic Cilia Excision and Cryotherapy
  • Eyelid Mass Removal
  • Eyelid Mass Cryotherapy
  • Eyelid Reconstructive Surgery
    • Hotz-Celsus for Entropion
    • Medial Canthoplasty
    • Stades Blepharoplasty
    • Lip-to-lid Blepharoplasty
    • Kuhnt-Szymanowsky Blepharoplasty
    • Z-plasty
  • Nictitans Gland Replacement (“Cherry Eye” Surgery)
  • Scrolled Cartilage Correction (Excision and Thermocautery)
  • Iridectomy
  • Laser Ablation Iris Melanoma
  • Uveal Cyst Aspiration
  • Uveal Cyst Laser Ablation
  • Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation
  • Intracapsular Lens Extraction
  • Sulcus Lens Implantation

ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS (OFA)
EYE EXAMINATIONS AND REGISTRATION

dogs sitting side-by-side

Help keep all dogs healthy by registering

Animal Vision Center of Virginia is proud to be able to provide OFA Eye Certification Registry examinations to breeders of dogs. These examinations can be performed only by qualified board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. These examinations find potential heritable eye diseases in dogs before they are passed on to future generations, helping to limit the amount of genetic eye disease in dogs, and produce healthier dogs.

Please see the OFA website for additional information.

GENETIC TESTING FOR OCULAR CONDITIONS

Timely treatment is key in providing the best animal eye care, no matter the patient. Partnering with OptiGen and other genetic laboratories, Animal Vision Center of Virginia can get the upper hand in knowing whether your dog is a carrier of specific ocular diseases.

Close up of scientist's hands in lab working.

This knowledge can lead to better, more successful treatment

Genetic eye diseases have become common among purebreed dogs. As a result, it is important to know whether your dog is a carrier for a specific ocular disease, especially if you plan to breed your dog.

Even if aren’t planning to breed your dog, knowing the diseases your dog is predisposed to can help with planning for future treatments, or taking simple preventative steps to ensure the longest, healthiest life possible.

Please see the Optigen website for additional information.

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Alaskan Malamute
American Bulldog
American Eskimo Dogs
American Hairless (Rat) Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers
Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds, Miniature
Australian Shepherds, Toy
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs
Beagle
Bearded Collies
Boerboel
Bolonka Zwetna
Border Collies
Boston Terrier
Boykin Spaniels
Briards
Bullmastiffs
Cane Corso
Cardigan Welsh Corgis
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Chinese Cresteds
Chinese Foo Dog
Cockapoos
Cocker Spaniels (American)
Collie
Coton de Tulear
Doberman Pinschers
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Dwarf Poodles
English Cocker Spaniels
English Setter
English Shepherd
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Finnish Lapphunds
French Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointers
German Spitz
Giant Schnauzer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Goldendoodle
Golden Retrievers
Gordon Setters
Great Pyrenees
Hokkaido Dogs
Irish Setters and Irish Red & White Setters
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Jagd Terrier
Karelian Bear Dogs
Kuvasz
Lab/Golden Cross
Labradoodles
Labradoodles, Australian
Labradoodle/Goldendoodle Cross
Labrador Retrievers
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heelers
Lapponian Herders
Llewellyn Setter
Lucas Terrier
Maltipoo
Markiesje
Mastiffs (Old English)
Miniature American Shepherds
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Poodles
Miniature Schnauzers
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
Papillon
Parson Russell Terrier
Patterdale Terrier
Phalene
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portuguese Water Dogs
Perro de Presa Canario
Pug
Rat Terrier
Rough Collies
Russell Terrier
Samoyeds
Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheepdogs
Siberian Huskies
Silken Windhound
Silky Terriers
Schipperke
Sloughis
Small Munsterlander
Smooth Collies
Spanish Water Dogs
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Poodle
Swedish Lapphunds
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Tenterfield Terrier
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Poodles
Volpino Italiano
Welsh Terrier
Whippets: Longhaired
Yorkshire Terriers

FREE OCULAR EXAMS FOR SERVICE DOGS

service dog with owner

Hard working eyes deserve a break

Typically provided by select veterinary ophthalmologists during the month of May only, Dr. Heather, who is working towards the goal of becoming a trainer of Service Dogs herself, has elected to perform these screening examinations on qualified Service Dogs every month of the year.

Service Animals are those that have been specifically trained to perform tasks that assist people in their daily lives. These include guide, hearing assistance, drug detection, police/military, search and rescue, therapy dogs, and those assisting people with disabilities other than blindness.

Please see the ACVO website to determine if your pet qualifies for this benefit, then call 757-749-4838 to speak with a team member about setting up a Service Dog screening examination.

KIND WORDS

“When my domestic short hair cat, Fatboy, developed a serious eye infection, I considered taking him to his regular vet. But I decided to take him to Dr. Brookshire instead. He is so afraid of strangers that he normally runs and hides, but to my surprise our visit could not have been more pleasant! Before the exam, Dr. Brookshire won Fatboy over in a matter of seconds with her calm voice and steady hands. After completing the exam and test, Dr. Brookshire determined results while we waited and prescribed the proper medications. From start to finish – under 30 minutes!

Over the next week when I phoned the office with questions, my call was returned before the end of the day with courteous professional advice. I received the same outstanding service at Fatboy’s follow-up appointment, and am happy to report his eye has healed completely. I highly recommend Dr, Brookshire for animal eye care!”

Pamela Ajluni
“It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Dr. Brookshire. We have always felt that she and her staff have always provided us with very professional and special care, everything from eye operations, after hour and holiday visits to help and sustain our beloved “Millie Girl” from blindness.
We have had 3 Cocker Spaniels with the same sort of problems and her care and commitment has by far been the very best!”
Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Edward Weaver
“Our 9 year old cocker spaniel, Mikey, suddenly went totally blind. Our vet referred us to Dr. Heather Brookshire, who examined and described him as an “interesting and puzzling case.” After performing several tests, Mikey was scheduled for surgery. But his blood work came back abnormal. Being very cautious, Dr. Brookshire referred us to an internist and later a neurologist who found Mikey had septic meningitis caused by a severe ear infection. After Mikey had ear surgery and his infection cured, Dr. Brookshire finally was able to perform eye surgery on our dog. Mikey immediately regained his vision and is more lively and happier than he has ever been!
Because of Dr. Brookshire’s expertise and caution, she not only gave Mikey his sight back but truly saved his life. We have the utmost respect for Dr. Brookshire and recommend her without reservation to anyone needing a canine ophthalmologist. She, in our opinion, is a true miracle worker.”
George & Susan Then
“I will never be able to say enough for the miracle Dr. Brookshire performed on our Japanese Chin, Precious. Precious was rushed to our local animal hospital with her eye bleeding. The vet thought it was glaucoma and wanted to remove the eye. We immediately asked for alternatives and they referred us to Dr. Brookshire immediately.

Dr. Brookshire determined that she had a corneal perforation of the left eye, not glaucoma. Dr. Brookshire gave us a couple of options fully explaining every one. We opted to have the surgery and a few hours later, we were able to bring Precious home for recovery.

During her recovery, Dr. Brookshire personally called to check up on her. Because of Dr. Brookshire our beloved pet did not lose her eye and has regained her vision. We will NEVER be able to thank her enough.”

Gary Sanford
“We want to extend to you our congratulations on your new endeavor. The only problem is that it will not be in Brevard County. We were so impressed with you and your colleagues at the clinic in Viera. You were all so caring and very knowledgeable. Billy knew he was in good hands. We will have to start out a day earlier for his re-check next year. It’s a little further to drive to Virginia. We will miss you, but wish you the very best. You are a very caring, competent Veterinarian. Your new patients are very lucky. All the best. Billy sends his love.”
Keith and Libby Cooke
“In December 2014, I received Lisa from a rescue agency. She came with almost no history and was found on the street. She was around 12 years old and blind in one eye with cataracts on both eyes.
Wanting to increase the quality of Lisa’s life I took her in for a vision check by Dr. Brookshire. Dr. Brookshire’s empathic nature instantly relaxed Lisa. She began to wag her tail! We had found the right eye Doctor! While she offered no guarantee, she told me there was a very good chance she could restore Lisa’s vision.
The results were beyond all expectations. Both cataracts had been removed and Lisa had her vision back in both eyes. Both of us will be forever grateful to Dr. Brookshire and her professional and caring staff.
Dr. Brookshire gave Lisa back her life!”
Stephen Moreau
“I met Dr. Heather Brookshire and her awesome team during an emergency. They saw my Taffy immediately and provided treatment and information along with a short and long term plan of care. The team’s efficiency, receptiveness and professionalism have extended way beyond this initial visit as Taffy and I continue to see the doctor regularly. I cannot say enough good things about everyone there. If Taffy and I must make this journey, I am so glad Dr. Brookshire is mapping the course.”
Cathee Giagnacovo and Taffy
“Dr. Heather was recommended to me by my vets at Animal Medical Center. Our beagle, Scooter, had completely lost his eyesight in both eyes due to cataracts. Scooter had been diagnosed as diabetic a few months prior to losing his sight. I was so impressed with Dr. Heather and all of her staff after our first visit. They were so professional and caring. All my questions and concerns were addressed. Scooter had bilateral cataract extraction the following week. Scooter was able to see immediately after his surgery! I am so thankful for all the love and care Dr. Heather and her staff provided Scooter! They are truly angels!”
Pat Bettag
“Anyone who has a Boston Terrier knows how we felt when Rooney couldn’t see the cookies we tossed on the floor for him. He tripped on curbs, missed steps…it was painful. We were referred to Dr. Brookshire for evaluation and got a diagnosis of cataracts on both eyes. I’ll be honest, the cost was a drawback for my husband, but as usual he deferred to my opinion that this was necessary to improve Rooney’s quality of life. The surgery was fairly smooth in spite of an episode under anesthesia, which is not uncommon with an 11 year old dog, but Dr. Brookshire handled it expertly and the final result was life changing for our little dog. He now sees all the cookies, all the birds, and he is now the little guy we brought home so many years ago. Albeit with a gray face and a little more chubby. My husband and I agree that it was well worth the care and expense to have our Rooney back and happy. The care and love provided by Dr. Brookshire and her staff are genuine and we are certain, if its possible, that they love our dog as much as we do and are focused on improving the lives of all her patients and their owners. I say owners, but we dog people know I really meant parents. I would refer and recommend her and her practice to anyone without reservation.”
Denaze and Buddy Llewellyn

CONSULTATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES

For any consultation or referral request, use the convenient form below. You can also download a paper form and fax it to our office.

QUICK CONSULTATION

Sometimes all you need is a quick question answered or need a second opinion to help a patient. Dr. Heather is happy to give you both.

ON-SITE CONSULTATION

We will gladly provide ophthalmic consultations for your patients at YOUR veterinary practice. Due to increased time allotments, please allow up to one week for these appointments.

PATIENT REFERRAL

We appreciate and accept any animal in need of ocular care. In our hands, your patients will receive the best diagnosis and care possible.

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