Pet Owners
At Animal Eye Care of Pennsylvania, we understand how stressful it can be when your pet has an eye problem. Our goal is to make every step — from referral to recovery — as smooth, informative, and compassionate as possible.
The Referral Process
Many eye conditions can be managed by your family veterinarian. However, some problems — such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, serious injury, or tumors — may require advanced care from a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your veterinarian may refer you to Dr. Patricia Mundy for specialized evaluation and treatment. Referrals are not mandatory; pet owners are always welcome to contact us directly for an appointment.
Specialists work with general practitioners as a team to support better animal health
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Why Visit a Veterinary Specialist?
Just like in human medicine, veterinary specialists focus on specific areas such as ophthalmology, internal medicine, surgery, and oncology. Your primary care veterinarian provides excellent general care — but when your pet needs advanced diagnostics, microsurgery, or complex eye disease management, a referral ensures access to the latest tools, techniques, and expertise. All board-certified specialists (DACVO) have completed years of advanced training and rigorous national board exams. At Animal Eye Care of Pennsylvania, Dr. Mundy partners closely with your veterinarian to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care.
When Your Pet May Need a Specialist
Your veterinarian may recommend a referral if your pet’s eye condition:
Has not improved with standard treatment.
Shows progressive vision loss or persistent pain.
Involves a non-healing corneal ulcer.
Is associated with diabetes (which often leads to cataracts).
Requires advanced diagnostics or surgery not available in general practice. You can also request a referral proactively if you notice:
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Redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or squinting.
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Discharge, rubbing, or sensitivity to light.
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Vision changes or bumping into objects.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you arrive, our friendly team will greet you and make your pet comfortable. A veterinary assistant will review your pet’s medical history, current medications, and previous treatments.
Tip: Please bring all medications your pet is currently taking — this helps us avoid duplications and tailor the safest treatment plan. Initial diagnostic tests may include:
• Tear production (Schirmer tear test)
• Eye pressure (tonometry)
• Corneal stain test using fluorescein dye After these preliminary tests, Dr. Patricia Mundy will perform a complete ophthalmic examination using state-of-the-art equipment, including:
• A slit-lamp biomicroscope to magnify and assess the cornea, iris, and lens.
• An indirect ophthalmoscope to view the retina and optic nerve in detail. Following the exam, Dr. Mundy will discuss her findings and treatment recommendations, which may include:
1. Medication to begin immediately
2. Additional diagnostic testing
3. Surgical options, if appropriate We’ll review all treatment plans and provide cost estimates before proceeding, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Helpful Resources
• ACVOEyeExam.org — Free eye exams for service animals
• Blind Tails — Stories and support for owners of blind pets
• BlindDogsSupport.com — Community resources for visually impaired pets
• OFA.org — Information on ACVO CAER Eye Exams and breeder programs