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Christin Chapman, DVM, DACVO attended the University of Arizona, where she received her bachelor of science degree in Veterinary Science with a minor in Microbiology. She received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Following her graduation from Colorado State, she completed a rotating internship in small animal emergency medicine and surgery with the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Rancho Santa Fe, California. She completed a one-year specialized internship in veterinary ophthalmology in San Diego, California. Dr. Chapman completed a three-year veterinary ophthalmology residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. She practices at our office in Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Fife is originally from Dayton, OH, so she has always been a huge Buckeyes fan (O-H). After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Miami, Dr. Fife completed her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, followed by an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Michigan. She then pursued a second internship in ophthalmic pharmacology and drug discovery in Irvine, California focusing on drug delivery systems to the eye, followed by a three-year veterinary ophthalmology residency program with Eye Care for Animals in Tustin, California.

Dr. Fife is now seeing patients in our Tampa, FL, location, and pets remain her passion. It’s all about the eyes, but Dr. Fife is also focused on healthy and happy patients and loves to work with their primary care doctor for a whole health approach. She is particularly interested in feline and canine corneal diseases and cataract surgery.

In recent years she has fulfilled another childhood dream and taken up ballroom dancing, so if she isn’t in the hospital, you will probably find her at the dance studio or pampering her two very needy and spoiled cats.

Dr. Demitrius Washington earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2008, his Master’s degree in Animal Science in 2011 from Prairie View A&M University, and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 from Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary honors program. Following graduation, he completed a rotating companion animal medicine and surgery internship at North Carolina State University. He spent two years as a comparative ophthalmology resident at North Carolina State University before joining the Eye Care for Animals Residency program in 2023, under the supervision of Dr. Steve Sisler in the Lees Summit, Missouri office. In his free time, he likes to spend as much quality time with his family- Ebony, Dj, Daniel, Layla, and Sage.  

Dr. Auten earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology (1998) and Master of Science in Biology (2000) degrees from Purdue University. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 after completing a clinical year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduation, Dr. Auten worked as a mixed animal veterinarian for several years. From 2009 to 2015, she practiced small animal medicine exclusively. She recently participated in a research project with the UC Davis ophthalmology department, focusing on sudden acquired retinal degeneration in dogs. She began her three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals in 2015 and completed the 3 year residency program in 2018. Dr. Auten became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2019.

Practice Location(s)

Albuquerque, NM

Dr. Walsh earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2013 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2017, both from North Carolina State University. She then completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She subsequently moved to College Station, Texas and completed a one year Ophthalmology specialty internship followed by a three year residency program with Texas A&M University (Gig’em!).

Practice Location(s)

Austin, TX

Dr. Bailey received her doctorate from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, she completed a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine, an Ophthalmology Internship at MedVet in Columbus, Ohio, and an Ophthalmology Internship at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Portland, OH. In July 2021, Dr. Bailey is currently sharing her residency between the Eye Care for Animals Chicago, IL and the Wheeling, IL locations.

Practice Location(s)

Chicago, IL

Wheeling, IL

Dr. Barrett completed veterinary school at Colorado State University. He finished his residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology in Tucson, Arizona along with additional training at Stanford University. He has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists since 1995. Dr. Barrett’s clinical interests focus on corneal disease and ulcer management.

Practice Location(s)

East Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ

Dr. Rowley received her veterinary degree from Kansas State University. Following graduation from veterinary school, she completed a master’s degree with the University of Illinois and residency training in comparative ophthalmology thru Purdue University and private practice. Fortunate to train with some of the best in the industry provided her the opportunity to practice business as well as medicine. While completing board certification thru ACVO, she co-founded two multi-specialty veterinary referral hospitals, one of which became accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association. Good practice standards and patient care are incredibly important as are the relationships we form in our daily work. Outside of caring for animal eyes, Dr. Rowley is entering year 6 as an Alpine L2 ski instructor for Snowbird and spends the summer months as a skills coach and ride leader for her local NICA high school mountain bike racing program. Raising heirloom, organic vegetables while employing techniques in resource conservation is the next challenge.

Practice Location(s)

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. Bergen received a Bachelor of Science in Pathobiology with minors in French as well as Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Connecticut in 2016. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University in North Grafton, MA in 2020. Following graduation she completed a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego. Dr. Bergen joined the Eye Care for Animals Residency program in 2021 under the supervision of Dr. Mohoric and Dr. Miller in the Tampa, FL offices.

Practice Location(s)

Tampa, FL

Dr. Violette graduated with distinction from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed a small animal rotating internship and ophthalmology residency combined with a Master of Veterinary Science at The Ohio State University. His special clinical interests include diseases of the cornea and cataracts. He was born and raised in Connecticut.

Practice Location(s)

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. Binder is originally from Long Island, NY. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychobiology from Binghamton University, NY (SUNY). He then completed a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Binder pursued his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and completed his residency in Ophthalmology there as well. He previously worked as an intern in small animal surgery and medicine at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2011, Dr. Binder offered his knowledge and experience at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine as a clinical instructor of ophthalmology in the Department of Small Animal Clinical and helped develop the department’s auxiliary ophthalmology service. He is board certified with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. After practicing for two years in Annapolis, MD, he joined Eye Care for Animals-Warwick in early 2015.

Practice Location(s)

Warwick, RI

Anne Beyer, DVM, DACVO grew up in the Chicagoland area. She was accepted into the pre-veterinary scholars’ program at the University of Missouri. From there, she proceeded to
complete a tour of the SEC throughout her post-graduate education!

Dr. Beyer graduated veterinary school from the University of Missouri, followed by a rotating internship at Mississippi State University. Next, she completed a specialty internship
at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. After a time at the University of Georgia, Dr. Beyer completed her master’s degree and residency at Auburn University. She is a board-certified
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Dr. Blocker received her bachelor of science degree in Biology at Florida State University and her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at University of Florida. After graduation, she completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and spent four years working in private practice in New York City. Dr. Blocker completed a three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. She has a special interest in exotic animal species and currently serves Eye Care for Animals as Sr. Resident Mentor/Advisor.

Dr. Bobofchak received his Veterinary degree from University of Illinois. He completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bobofchak completed a three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which he became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

Akron, OH
Cleveland, OH

Dr. Boles was raised in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. She received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. She then completed a small animal rotating internship and ophthalmology specialty internship at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialist in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Boles joined the Eye Care for Animals Residency program in 2019 and completed her Residency at the Wheeling location in 2022. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2022 and currently works in Beaverton, OR.

Practice Location(s)

Beaverton, OR

Dr. Brinkis received his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. He completed his residency program at the Eye Care for Animals in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Brinkis earned his board certification in 1999. His special areas of interests include ocular immune-mediated diseases and cataract surgery.

Practice Location(s)

Tustin, CA

Dr. Burwell is originally from Columbus, Ohio where she earned her undergraduate degree in Agriculture Science at The Ohio State University and her Veterinary degree at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Burwell completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship prior to practicing veterinary medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She then completed residency training with Eye Care for Animals in Southern California and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2003.

Practice Location(s)

Corte Madera, CA
Santa Rosa, CA

Dr. Cochrane received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. He went on to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Honors from Iowa State University where he spent four years as class president. Following his graduation from Iowa State, he completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery with WestVet Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Boise, Idaho. Afterward, Dr. Cochrane joined the Eye Care for Animals Residency program in 2018 and completed his Residency at the Tampa location in 2021. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2021 and currently works in Gilbert, AZ.

Practice Location(s)

Gilbert, AZ

Dr. Dees received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2006 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, both at Oklahoma State University. He then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Dees completed the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in Salt Lake City, UT.  He was named Resident of the Year before becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2013.

Practice Location(s)

Austin, TX

Julie Disney was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois. Her internship in small animal medicine and surgery as well as residency in ophthalmology were completed at Virginia Tech, where she learned she couldn’t return to the flatlands of the Midwest. She moved west to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. Dr. Disney enjoys treating eye disease as a means of improving quality of life for both her patients and clients, including managing dry eye disease and performing cataract surgery. She spends her spare time hiking, rock climbing, and downhill skiing.

Practice Location(s)

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. Dubin grew up in Southern California and completed her undergraduate degree at University of California, Berkeley. She attended veterinary school at Tufts University, where she obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, followed by a one-year rotating small animal medical and surgical internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed a three-year ACVO accredited ophthalmology residency at Colorado State University and is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Dr. Dubin enjoys all medical and surgical aspects of veterinary ophthalmology, and her special interests include corneal, cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Practice Location(s)

Tustin, CA

Dr. Erlichman received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from Siena College in 2012. She developed an interest in comparative ophthalmology during her first few semesters of veterinary school. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with the highest of honors and completed her year of clinical training at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Dr. Erlichman completed two veterinary ophthalmology externships in 2016 at Colorado State University and Texas A&M University. She finished her small animal rotating internship at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Rochester, NY in 2017. Dr. Erlichman completed an ophthalmology clerkship with Eye Care for Animals in Tucson, Arizona and stayed there to complete her Residency program (2018-2021).

Practice Location(s)

East Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ

Dr. Fahrer received her bachelor of science degree in Animal Science at Washington State University and her masters degree in Animal Science with a focus on equine nutrition at the University of Florida. She earned her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. After graduation, Dr. Fahrer completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. She completed her residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

Culver City, CA
Woodland Hills, CA

Dr. Felchle graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1996 and worked for 18 months in small animal general practices. She served as a resident of comparative ophthalmology for three years with Eye Care for Animals in Phoenix. Dr. Felchle became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2001.

Practice Location(s)

Gilbert, AZ

Dr. Gaerig received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2004, spending her last semester in Northern Ireland focused on equine studies. She then went back to East Lansing to complete a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, where she developed an interest in small animal and equine ophthalmology.  She then completed an internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, NC in 2010 and residency in ophthalmology at Eye Care for Animals in 2013.  Dr. Gaerig also has an interest in veterinary public health and completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Minnesota in 2014.

Practice Location(s)

Chicago, IL

Dr. Gunderson received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2001 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, both at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, also at the University of Saskatchewan. After, she spent a year in small animal general practice in Edmonton, Alberta. She then completed an ophthalmology clerkship with Eye Care for Animals in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Gunderson joined Eye Care for Animals in 2009 and completed her three-year residency in veterinary and comparative ophthalmology. In 2012, she was named Eye Care for Animals’ Resident of the Year. Dr. Gunderson became board certified and achieved Diplomate status in 2012.

Practice Location(s)

Pewaukee, WI

Dr. Hibbs attended Auburn University where she received a doctorate of veterinary medicine. Following veterinary school, she completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, FL. She went into private practice in Kentucky and later proceeded to practice in the New Mexico and Texas area.  Recently she has attended several ultrasound courses and has developed a special interest in soft tissue ultrasound. Dr. Hibbs completed a three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

El Paso, TX

Dr. Hoffman completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California-Davis. She received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma State University. She also completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Hoffman was awarded membership to the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honors Society and has a special interest in cataract surgery and combined retinal reattachment surgery. Dr. Hoffman is the only veterinary ophthalmologist to complete a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship (Children’s Retina Institute of Los Angeles) and is one of three veterinarians in the world elected as a member of the American Society of Retinal Specialists. She completed her residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

Pasadena, CA

Dr. Hunkeler graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was accepted to a one-year internship at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana and completed a two-year residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology at Animal Eye Associates of Chicago. After completing the challenging programs and returning to live in Kansas City, she opened Hunkeler Animal Eye Clinic inside Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital of Lee’s Summit. She is board certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology (Diplomate AVCO), licensed to practice in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois and a member of the AVMA, KVMA and KCVMA. In 2011, Dr. Hunkeler merged her practice with Eye Care for Animals and continues to practice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, as well as Springfield, Missouri and Mission, Kansas.

Practice Location(s)

Overland Park, KS
Mission, KS
Lee’s Summit, MO
Springfield, MO

Dr. Hyman received her bachelor of arts from Towson University and attended graduate school at the College of William & Mary. After four years of research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she entered the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania and completed her Veterinary Medical Doctor degree. Prior to joining the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 2002, Dr. Hyman worked as an emergency clinician at a veterinary referral and emergency center and completed an ophthalmology internship. Dr. Hyman is board certified in veterinary ophthalmology, she is a mentor in our residency training program, and is active in clinical research on eye diseases.

Practice Location(s)

Annapolis, MD – Bestgate Road
Towson, MD

Dr. Kaminsky received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in 2019 and is a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary honor society. Following graduation, she completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Kaminsky joined Eye Care for Animals in July 2020, and will complete her residency program in our Pasadena, CA, Culver City, CA and Tustin, CA practices.

Practice Location(s)

Culver City, CA
Pasadena, CA
Tustin, CA

Dr. Kennard graduated with distinction from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he received the Schering-Plough Award for Excellence in Veterinary Ophthalmology and The American College of Veterinary Surgeons Student Surgery Award for Excellence in Small Animal Surgery. After graduation, Dr. Kennard completed a rotating  internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He then completed a three-year residency program in Phoenix, Arizona with Eye Care for Animals, after which he became a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Dr. Kennard has a special interest in eyelid reconstructive surgery, corneal surgery and glaucoma surgery.

Practice Location(s)

Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Knollinger is a 3rd generation Florida native who earned her bachelor of science degree from Florida Southern College. She then attended North Carolina State University for veterinary school and graduated with honors. Returning to her home state, she then performed a small animal rotating internship in Winter Park, Florida. After two years in private practice and affiliation with the University of Georgia’s ophthalmology service, Dr. Knollinger completed a three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which she became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. Konrade attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.  She then received her Master of Science degree in Neuroanatomy as well as her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  Dr. Konrade was awarded the senior student award for Excellence in Veterinary Clinical Ophthalmology and is a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary honor society.  After obtaining her Veterinary degree, she completed an internship in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Following the completion of an ophthalmology residency at Eye Care for Animals in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Konrade became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2012.

Practice Location(s)

Pasadena, CA

Dr. Lim is originally from Canada. After earning her DVM at the University of Guelph, she completed an internship in small animal surgery and medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Lim then spent one year in small animal general practice before beginning a residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of California – Davis. Following her residency, she obtained board-certification with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and practiced as a clinical associate in ophthalmology at the University of Saskatchewan. She was on faculty at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine until 2017, when she joined the Eye Care for Animals team. In addition to articles published in peer-reviewed journals, she is the author of The Small Animal Ophthalmic Atlas and Guide.

Practice Location(s)

Chicago, IL

Dr. Anthony Lisankis is from Southern California. He spent five years in the US Army prior to becoming a veterinarian. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Following graduation, Dr. Lisankis reentered the US Army as a Veterinary Corps Officer where he completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Fort Bragg, NC. He then spent the next three years as the Post Veterinarian for Naval Station Great Lakes outside of Chicago, IL providing care for Working Dogs and preventive medicine for the Post. Dr. Lisankis completed a three-year residency in ophthalmology with Eye Care for Animals and went on to become a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in that same year. He sees patients at the York Rd. practice in Cockeysville, MD.

Practice Location(s)

York Road, MD

Annapolis Bestgate, MD
Annapolis Defense Highway, MD

Dr. Lisankis grew up in Rockville, Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 2009, and her Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013, after which she spent two years in New York. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in 2014 and an ophthalmology internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in 2015. She then relocated to the Midwest, and in 2018 she completed a three-year residency in ophthalmology at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. She went on to become a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in that same year, followed by two years of working in Wisconsin and Illinois. In July 2020, Dr. Lisankis joined our Eye Care for Animals Annapolis Defense Highway, MD practice.

Practice Location(s)

Annapolis Defense Highway, MD

Bel Air, MD

Dr. MacLaren was born in Vancouver, Canada and currently resides in Park City, Utah. Dr. MacLaren received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois and finalized her formal studies in an ophthalmology residency at Purdue University. Her areas of interest include cataract surgery, tear film disorders and corneal disease. Dr. MacLaren has been board certified in veterinary ophthalmology since 1995.

Practice Location(s)

Salt Lake City, UT

Dr. McInnis is originally from New Orleans, LA. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, after which she graduated from Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. McInnis then completed a one-year rotating small animal and surgery internship at the University of Missouri-Columbia, followed by a one-year ophthalmology internship at a private practice in Las Vegas, NV. She then completed a three-year ophthalmology residency program at Colorado State University – Veterinary Teaching Hospital, while earning a master’s degree in clinical sciences.

Dr. McInnis has been practicing veterinary ophthalmology in Maryland since 2010.

Practice Location(s)

Columbia, MD

Dr. Merideth graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. He was an N.I.H. Fellow in Comparative Ophthalmology at the University of Florida from 1979 to 1981. Dr. Merideth became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) in 1981. A Diplomate signifies advanced training and is the highest medical designation for veterinarians. Dr. Merideth is a national expert in animal ophthalmology, has authored more than 30 scientific articles, and is a contributing author of five veterinary textbooks. His clinical interests include glaucoma and cataracts. He is the past President of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association Counsel on continuing education and service for the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists on residency training and testing.  In 2018 he was named the first ever Tucson Wildlife Center “Person of the Year” in recognition of 20 years of volunteer service, and in 2019 he was the sole inductee into the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Merideth was recognized and honored as the Founder of Eye Care for Animals during a 40th Anniversary celebration in November, 2021.  He has returned to his alma mater to help train the next generation of veterinary ophthalmologists.

Dr. Miller received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, in 1979. After six years in a nine-veterinarian small animal/equine practice in Nova Scotia, he entered a residency program in comparative ophthalmology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. Upon completion of a master’s degree in 1988, he joined the faculty at the University of Florida. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1989. During his tenure at the University, Dr. Miller served as an attending ophthalmologist in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, with appointments in both the Small Animal and Large Animal Departments, was a supervisor of resident training, and served a term as Chief of Ophthalmology Services. His association with the University is continuing as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. During his time at the University of Florida, Dr. Miller worked on the development of collagen corneal shields for the treatment of corneal diseases in cats and dogs, intraocular valves for the treatment of glaucoma, and inherited retinal diseases in dogs. He entered referral practice at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care Center in 1993. In April 2018, Dr. Miller partnered with Pathway Vet Alliance and joined the Ophthalmology Specialty group with Eye Care for Animals.

The Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Care Center

Largo, FL

Dr. Millichamp graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 1978. After working in small animal practice, he spent three years at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, and at the Institute of Ophthalmology, University of London, pursuing doctoral research on inherited retinal degeneration and retinal surgery in dogs. He completed residency training in comparative ophthalmology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1985. He was awarded a Diploma of Veterinary Ophthalmology from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1986. Dr. Millichamp became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2004 and was elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2008.

Dr. Millichamp was a staff ophthalmologist at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and faculty member in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Studies at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University from 1986 until 2009. His clinical and research interests have focused on the pharmacology of ocular inflammation, ocular surgery (particularly cataract surgery in horses), and ocular disease in exotic species and, more recently, ophthalmic telemedicine and imaging. Dr. Millichamp lectures internationally, has published many papers in scientific journals and contributed to several textbooks of veterinary ophthalmology. He was a consultant for Central Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology before establishing offices with Eye Care for Animals in 2009.

Practice Location(s)

Houston, TX
The Woodlands, TX

Dr. Norman graduated from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College majoring in both Biology and Chemistry. Prior to veterinary school, she worked in a large equine clinical and research facility in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where she gained valuable experience in clinical research. She also externed at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and worked with a team of oncologists, researching squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. She then received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2002 from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, Dr. Norman completed a private practice rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery. For two years prior to beginning her residency she continued as a small animal and exotics general practitioner in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Norman joined Eye Care for Animals in 2005 and completed her three-year residency in veterinary and comparative ophthalmology. In 2008, she was named Eye Care for Animals’ Resident of the Year. She became board certified and achieved Diplomate status in 2009. Dr. Norman has published literature in both national and international journals of veterinary medicine. Her primary clinical interests are in the management of ocular disease in the horse and cataract surgery in all species.

Practice Location(s)

Avondale, AZ

Dr. Danielle Paglia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Biology from the University of Florida. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 from Mississippi State University where she was inducted into the Phi Zeta honor society. She then completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Subsequently, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she completed an ocular pathology fellowship. Following the completion of a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency at the University of California, Davis, she worked in private practice in Rocklin, California. She and her husband, a veterinarian and native Texan, have moved to Texas to be closer to family. She has joined ECFA and practices at our Austin location.

Practice Location(s)

Austin, TX

Dr. Pytak received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2016. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. The following year, he completed a small animal rotating internship at Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Pytak joined Eye Care for Animals in July 2022 and will complete his residency program at the Wheeling, IL and Reno, NV practices.

Practice Location(s)

Wheeling, IL

Dr. Rowan grew up outside of Philadelphia in Berks County, Pennsylvania.  She graduated from Penn State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.  After receiving her undergraduate  degree, she earned her veterinary degree from Western University of the Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.  Following veterinary school, Dr. Rowan completed a rotating internship at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a specialty ophthalmology internship at Animal Vision Center of Virginia.  Though she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was five years old, her interest in ophthalmology was a more recent discovery during veterinary school.  In her free time, she likes to travel and try new restaurants.  With a special fondness for short-nosed breeds, she has a (clingy) pug named Carl and a one-eyed Persian cat named Opal.

Practice Location(s)

Reno, NV

Dr. Schenk earned his Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Biotechnology degree, and went on to acquire his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. After graduation, Dr. Schenk interned for Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialists in Grand Rapids, MI in the field of small animal medicine and surgery. Areas of particular interest for him are uveitis and acute blindness. In July 2020, Dr. Schenk began his residency program with Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists in Largo, FL. He will also be working with Eye Care for Animals in our Chicago, IL practice.

Practice Location(s)

Chicago, IL
Largo, FL
Tampa, FL

Dr. Mark Shifrin is a native Texan originally from El Paso. He received both his Bachelors of Science and Veterinary degrees from Texas A&M University, graduating with honors in 1979. After graduation, Dr. Shifrin joined a small animal private practice in Abilene, Texas, where he practiced all aspects of veterinary medicine for 3 years. He then completed a residency program in Veterinary Ophthalmology at the University of California – Davis along with additional training at Stanford University.

Dr. Shifrin relocated to Austin, Texas in 1984, where he opened and operated his own practice, Austin Animal Eye Clinic, for 31 years. His practice included animals of all sizes for the first 15 years but was limited to small animals for the last 16. In addition to Texas, he is also licensed in New Mexico. Dr. Shifrin joined the Eye Care for Animals team in August 2015.

Practice Location(s)

Austin, TX

Dr. Sisler graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary School. He spent five years as an emergency veterinarian in Fort Wayne IN, at a multi-referral hospital before joining the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 2002. He became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is 2004 and a retinal specialist while serving the Greater Chicagoland area.  Dr. Sisler left Eye Care for Animals in 2015 to take his family to Kenya.  He and his family returned to the US and Chicago area in 2020, where he served as a relief doctor before relocating to Greater Kansas City as the full time doctor at Eye Care for Animals – Lee’s Summit in January, 2021.

Dr. Smith graduated with honors from Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2008. Following graduation, he completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a special interest in reptile medicine and exotic medicine. Dr. Smith completed the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 2012.

Practice Location(s)

Las Vegas, NV

Dr. Steele received a double bachelor of science degree in neuroscience-behavioral Biology and in general Biology from Emory University. Dr. Steele attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with honors. Following veterinary school, she completed a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Steele joined the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 2008 and became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2011.

Practice Location(s)

Reno, NV

Dr. Rustin Sturgeon earned his bachelor of science degree in Animal Science and Industry and a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. After graduation, Dr. Sturgeon was in private companion animal practice for two years and spent four years in the emergency and critical care department of a multi-specialty referral hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. Dr. Sturgeon completed his residency program at Eye Care for Animals, after which he became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Dr. Tsai received a Bachelor of Biology and Agriculture from the University of Georgia in Athens and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of California in Irvine. She spent a few years in pharmaceutical research for ocular diseases before going back to school and obtaining a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. She completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Chicago, IL, where she stayed on as Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian for two years. After that she completed a specialty internship in ophthalmology with Animal Eye Guys in Miami, FL. She joined the Eye Care for Animals residency program in 2018, completed her residency in 2021, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2022.

Practice Location(s)

Upland, CA
San Diego, CA

Dr. Urbanz attended Auburn University where she received a degree in both Zoology and Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a fellowship at the Scott-Ritchey Research Center in veterinary medical studies. Dr. Urbanz completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Urbanz joined the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 1999 and became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2002.

Practice Location(s)

North Scottsdale, AZ

Dr. Venturi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Georgia where she was very active in the Pre-Veterinary Club including participation in mission work to provide veterinary services to underserved areas abroad. She then obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with Honors from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she discovered her interest in comparative ophthalmology. After graduating from veterinary school, she spent a year at The Ohio State University doing a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery followed by an Ophthalmology-focused internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Venturi joined the residency program at Eye Care for Animals in 2013, graduated in June 2016, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2016.

Practice Location(s)

San Diego, CA

Dr. Wasserman graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Psychology. He then received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. After obtaining his Veterinary degree, he completed a small animal internship in medicine and surgery at the Hope Center for Advanced Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wasserman then completed a three-year residency program with Eye Care for Animals, after which he became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Practice Location(s)

Wheeling, IL

Dr. Anne Weigt is originally from Saginaw, Michigan. She went to Miami University in Oxford, OH and graduated with a degree in Zoology and a degree in English – Technical Writing. After working in research for a few years, in Cincinnati and the Republic of Panama, she went to veterinary school at Ross University in St. Kitts. While not really tired of island life, she did transfer after one year to the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1997. Dr. Weigt completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Berwyn and Franklin Park VCA hospitals outside of Chicago. Dr. Weigt completed her residency in Ophthalmology at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. At the same time, she completed a Masters of Science degree. Dr. Weigt started working in Annapolis, MD at Animal Eye Care in 2001 and merged with Eye Care for Animals in November of 2015. Her professional interests include intraocular surgery, eyelid and facial reconstruction, neuro-ophthalmology and equine ophthalmology.

Practice Location(s)

Annapolis, MD – Defense Hwy
Bel Air, MD

Dr. Wong received a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science in Syracuse, New York. She then obtained a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. She completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey. She worked as an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian for three years before completing an ophthalmology specialty internship at Mississippi State University and Animal Eye Guys in Miami, FL before she joined the Eye Care for Animals residency program in 2019. Dr. Wong joined the Eye Care for Animals Residency program in 2019 and completed her Residency at the Beaverton and Reno location in 2022. he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2022 and currently works in New York, NY.

Practice Location(s)

New York, NY