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.

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.
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.
- Learn More about cataract surgery for dogs
- 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)
- Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT)
- Keratectomy
- Conjunctival Grafts
- Corneoconjunctival Transposition
- Corneal Transplant
- Corneal Laceration Repair
- Iridectomy
- Laser Ablation Iris Melanoma
- Uveal Cyst Aspiration
- Uveal Cyst Laser Ablation
- Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation
- Intracapsular Lens Extraction
- Sulcus Lens Implantation
- Endolaser Cyclophotocoagulation
- Ahmed Valve Gonioimplantation
- Ciliary Body Ablation
- Orbital Ultrasound-guided Aspirates
- Orbitotomy
- Proptosis Reduction and Temporary Tarsorrhaphy
- Enucleation with Orbital Implant
- Evisceration and Intraocular Prosthesis (False Eye Procedure)
- Exenteration for Orbital Neoplasia
ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS (OFA)
EYE EXAMINATIONS AND REGISTRATION

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.

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.
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

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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
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.