Ophthalmology

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Vet Ophthalmology at CAREThe ophthalmology service at CARE is focused on treating eye diseases in dogs and cats to restore vision and prevent painful eye conditions.

Just like people develop eye problems, animals suffer many of the same diseases that can threaten vision and cause pain. Conditions such as corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, eyelid disorders, dry eye and retinal detachments are just some of the diseases commonly seen in dogs and cats. Veterinary ophthalmologists at CARE use the latest technology and equipment to diagnose your pet’s problem. We then create a treatment plan to improve or restore vision and resolve any pain.

Treatment of ophthalmic diseases typically involve medical therapy or surgery. At CARE, we understand that it can be very emotional to watch your pet experience eye pain or vision loss. We also understand that seeing a “doggy eye doctor” can be a scary thought. Our job as veterinary ophthalmologists is to make the experience comfortable for your pet and informative and stress-free for you.

Many medical procedures can be performed in the exam room while owners wait, while other procedures may require anesthesia for surgery. Procedures and surgeries offered with the ophthalmology service at CARE include:

    • Phacoemulsification (ultrasonic removal) of cataracts with artificial lens placement
    • Laser and valve procedures for glaucoma
    • Laser and surgical removal of eyelid tumors
    • Correction of eyelid abnormalities
    • Permanent correction of eyelash and abnormal hair growths
    • Resolution of non-healing corneal ulcers
    • Correction of cherry eye conditions
    • Artificial eye placement for blind/painful eyes

Our goal at CARE is to offer the best treatment options available to provide comfort, preserve vision and maintain a good long-term quality of life. We want our pets to see us just as well as we see them!

Hospital Admit Guide

If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Hospital Admit Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.

Our Ophthalmology Doctors

CSR Profiles

Cathy McGrattan, sCSR for Ophthalmology

Cathy McGrattan

sCSR for Ophthalmology

Started

June 2016

Favorite part of the job

“The animals I get to meet, and building a relationship with the clients.”

Something she wishes people knew about her job

“The special feeling a person gets when you know you have helped an animal to see or that they are not painful and having issues as they have been.”

Her furry family

Kylie, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever.

What people might be surprised to know

“I love spending time at the beach and traveling if i can. I am just starting to feel like you can get out and do more things after spending the last few years in COVID isolation. I have a house in Wilmington that is my peaceful place.”

This is one of seven spotlights on some of CARE’s Client Services Representatives.

» Read more CSR Profiles here

Vet Tech Profiles

Alexandra Poston, RVT, Ophthalmology Service Coordinator

Alexandra Poston, RVT

Ophthalmology Service Coordinator

Job responsibilities

Works closely with the doctor(s) and other service leads. She also is an intern mentor for her department. “As a previous intern at CARE, I try to understand where interns are coming from and make sure they have the information they need to leave our department well-rounded.”

Vet Tech education

Associate Degree from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, SC, and 5 years of biology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Hometown

“I was born in Savannah and have lived in Macon, Atlanta, upstate rural New York, Memphis, Chattanooga, Seneca (SC), Rock Hill, Salisbury, and now live in Unionville.”

A lifelong love of animals

“I talked to them as a child in funny voices, trying to understand them. My pets included hamsters, gerbils, guineas, birds, and poodles (several standard and toy).” These days, her animal family includes Mason, a standard poodle (he’s the new guy and is 1.5-years-old); Juliet, a 12-year-old toy poodle (Alexandra rescued her at age 3); and a 2-year-old cat named Leonard.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

“I am a quarter Russian. My grandfather immigrated and became a Marine.”

What made you want to be a vet tech?

“I wanted to help animals and to understand why things are done the way they’re done. Being well-informed means that I can provide the best possible care for my patients.”

Her newest obsession

“I’ve become an Elvis fan. The new movie sparked my interest. I got a cut-out for my birthday from my Ophthalmology team!”

Originally posted as part of CARE’s celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 16-22, 2022).

» Read more Vet Tech Profiles here

Stories

CARE 7th Anniversary

Originally posted 6/22/22

Erin & Riley and the drive to save their sight

CARE Charlotte is celebrating its 7th anniversary by sharing seven stories of thriving patients. Erin and Riley are Cocker Spaniels and 11-year-old sisters treated by Dr. Josh Broadwater, who specializes in Ophthalmology.

CARE 7th Anniversary Neurology Story

According to Lynne Haddow, littermates Erin and Riley have had eye issues since they were five. When the Haddows moved to Hickory in 2016, Riley had lost one eye to glaucoma, and Erin, who is diabetic, had been referred to a clinic for cataract surgery. “Erin’s cataract surgery triggered glaucoma, and we were given two options,” says Lynne. “Let her go blind or drive to CARE, where you can get advanced treatment unavailable anywhere else for hundreds of miles.”

They immediately drove to Charlotte. Dr. Josh Broadwater examined Erin and discussed treatment options. The Haddows opted for surgery, the only way to preserve Erin’s vision. Pre-operative testing found additional complications. Erin’s bloodwork showed a potentially deadly platelet disorder but fortunately CARE has a broad spectrum of specialists, and Dr Broadwater was easily able to enlist the internal medicine service to help her. Once her blood disorder was treated Dr Broadwater performed a gonio implant and Endolaser Cyclophotocoagulation to save Erin’s vision. Internal medicine started managing Erin’s diabetes.

Riley was battling a glaucoma flare-up and a cataract in her one good eye. She had basically gone blind and was so depressed she stopped eating. Dr. Broadwater came to Riley’s rescue and successfully performed the same surgery Erin had.

Riley’s back to her spunky self, says Lynne. “We call her Miss Tippy Tap because that’s the happy sound she makes now that she can see where she’s going.” She’s also gaining weight. And Erin is still Erin, Lynne reports. “She’s into everything and full of energy and goes for a long walk every day. Not bad for almost 12 years old.”

The Haddows are grateful to have found CARE. “Our pups would have had very different lives if we had not been referred to, and so would we.”

In February of 2023 Riley and her owner passed away. We honor the devotion and love that Lynne and Riley shared.

» Read more 7th Anniversary Stories here

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