2017 ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam

March 31st, 2017

The 10th Annual ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event will take place in Eye Care for Animals clinics from May 1-31, 2017. The event was originally prompted by ACVO’s recognition that many of its board-certified ophthalmology specialists were providing free eye exams across the country. By expanding on these individual events and creating the annual event in 2008, the ophthalmologists, including those affiliated with ECFA, have been able to perform more than 52,000 free eye exam screenings – 7,400 in 2016 alone.

The goal of the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event is to provide as many free screening exams as possible to eligible Service Animals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, throughout the month of May. For the first time ever, other international members across the globe have been invited to participate. Service Animals that may qualify include: guide, disability assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and also certified-current, registered therapy animals.

This year’s event is sponsored by ACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors including Eye Care for Animals. Participating board-certified ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff and facilities at no charge for Service Animals and their owners/agents to participate in the event.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2017 EVENT:

To qualify, Service Animals must be “active working animals” that were certified by a formal training program or organization, or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. More qualification details are available. Owners/agents for the animal(s) must FIRST register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org. Registration ends April 30. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number and will be allowed access to a list of participating ophthalmologists. Then, they may contact a specialist to schedule an appointment, which will take place during the month of May. Times may vary depending on the facility and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so owners/agents are encouraged to register and make appointments early. Schedule an appointment in any of our facilities nationwide. Visit our Locations page to find the practice nearest to you.