The Epicur team is so excited to have the ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam Event back this year! It’s such an important and impactful event, and it is fully philanthropic. Veterinary ophthalmologists and their staff volunteer their time during the month of May to provide free ocular exams for registered service animals. This event highlights the compassion and care of the veterinary community, which is why we’re proud to be the namesake sponsor again this year!
To highlight just how much this event means to not only the pet owners but also the participating clinics, we asked some of the ophthalmologists to share why they volunteer. Dr. Micki Armour, VMD, DACVO, owner of Armour Veterinary Ophthalmology at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C. shares more about her work in ophthalmology and the impact the ACVO event has on her each year.
What led you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I always grew up with a lot of animals. It’s a big part of who I am. On the first day that I was in a veterinary hospital as an assistant a dog was hit by a car. It was really traumatizing to see this dog needing help so desperately. Once he had been resuscitated, he was able to walk out the front door. It was amazing to see how a veterinary team can support a dog that was so critical.
And then what ultimately led to your specialty in ophthalmology?
I completed a small animal rotating internship at Red Bank Animal Hospital. The ophthalmologist was really a wonderful mentor for me, showing me how you can blend both medicine and surgery into a fantastic career.
The eyes are so detailed and very intricate. They can tell you about changes in the rest of the body. Just a quick evaluation can really change a lot about your knowledge of the dog or cat systemically.
It’s really interesting that you still collaborate with human ophthalmologists. How does that influence your own work? Has it influenced any patient cases?
One of the biggest things that’s important to me is staying at the forefront of excellent patient care and up to date on the literature, as well as the connectivity with the human field and how the veterinary and the human fields can benefit one another in terms of knowledge and technology. I often go to human ophthalmology meetings and conferences to look at our cases from a different perspective.
Through that connection, I was able to forge a friendship with human ophthalmologists at Johns Hopkins University. We have been working and collaborating to find solutions for corneal endothelial disease, which is like Fuchs disease in humans where you might need a corneal transplant. That is one area of interest for me.
We also have been working on trying to localize an area within the eye for the placement of a glaucoma sensor device. It would be like a Bluetooth-connected device to your phone that lets you know a dog’s eye pressure.
Want more animal eye health resources?
Check out our pet eye health page and get our free eye health handout—it’s great for pet owners and vet clinics!
You stay highly involved in the veterinary ophthalmology community—regularly attending the ACVO conferences and being an Associate Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as well as volunteering for the eye exam event.
How long have you been participating in the event?
I’ve participated every year since 2012 that has been available. ACVO, or the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, connects with us once we become boarded. A big reason most people go into veterinary medicine is because of their compassion for animals. One of the things that I personally very much enjoy is being able to give back to my community in different ways. This service is so beneficial to the members of the community.
It’s obvious that this event has a huge impact on you as well as the patients. What is it about the event that is so special to you?
It’s wonderful, in my opinion, to connect with the clients and to be able to see what a huge impact these animal companions can have in just everyday routines and lifestyles. Their service is such a gift, so it’s nice to be able to return that gift.
I love the personal stories – hearing about the diabetic alert dog who, when its human partner was a mile down the road, ran down the road to alert the partner that they were having a crisis; the search and rescue service dog who can detect a lost child; the dog whose owner has MS so the dog will wake her up in the morning and hand her slippers, her keys, will even open the door to her bedroom and will pull out drawers so that she can get dressed.
Those are things that you do not expect to hear. It’s incredible how these dogs are such an integral part of the day-to-day lives of their human partners.
Those are amazing stories! You must meet so many incredible owners who bring their companions in for exams.
It’s also the whole family. For the diabetic alert dog, the child is diabetic, but the mother had such a sense of relief knowing that the dog will be able to alert both the child but also the whole family if there is something not quite right. And the same happens with seizure alert dogs. They treat the dog as a complete member of the family and with the utmost respect.
The typical thought when someone hears ‘service animal’ is to think of a dog, which sounds like you see a lot of but are there any other types of service animals you’ve treated during the event?
Oh, for sure! I had a service alpaca who would go and visit people in the hospital and the alpaca itself was visually impaired. There are search and rescue horses who ride into the wilderness to search for missing people.
Do you have any favorite cases that you’ve seen through the years of the event?
It’s hard to choose but the main exams that I like to do are for the dogs that serve our country. We set up whole days to evaluate explosive detection canines. We also make sure that the dogs that are going abroad to serve our country are healthy so that they can complete their tasks.
In the past, we used to incorporate cardiology with the ophthalmology exams so that when patients came in, they got cardiac screens at the same time. We don’t have a cardiologist on staff currently, but hopefully, in the future, we will be able to provide this service again.
That’s a great example of your true compassion and why you’re in the veterinary industry. The professionals in this field go above and beyond for their patients.
It’s fun to be able to do things like that and branch out beyond my day-to-day which is caring for dogs and cats. On my days off, I’m able to will work with the National Aquarium and the National Zoo. I enjoy donating time to ophthalmic exams for Owl Moon Raptor Rescue and ensuring the birds of prey can be released when they’re rehabilitated.
What a great way to spend your days off! Any last thoughts on the event?
I’m just very happy that Epicur Pharma is promoting this event. Epicur’s customer service is an excellent resource for my clinic and clients.
Thanks, Dr. Armour! We’re thankful for your time today and your dedication to veterinary ophthalmology!
Here are some other posts you may enjoy. See our full library articles on our blog.
Updates on the Treatment of Equine Gastric Disease
January 8 | 4 p.m. ET RACE-Approved CE Credit Hours: 1Free to attend An upcoming webinar will highlight recent developments in the management of both squamous and glandular gastric disease, reviewing recent publications in the context of existing knowledge. Attendees will gain an understanding of the limitations of oral proton pump inhibitors and explore advances in newer generation PPIs, including extended-release injectable omeprazole. The session will also cover the published evidence supporting a range of treatment options for gastric disease. Save My Seat
Smooth Delivery: A Novel Extended-Release Buprenorphine in Laboratory Animals
December 10 | 7 p.m. ET RACE-Approved CE Credit Hours: 1Free to attend Explore the importance of pain management in laboratory rodents, focusing on a new extended-release buprenorphine injectable. Attendees will learn how its low viscosity improves administration, reduces handler strain, and enhances animal comfort. The session will also cover best practices for administration and monitoring. Save My Seat
Easing Pet Anxiety and Empowering Owners
Imagine a dog trembling at the sound of thunder or a cat hiding for hours after a trip to the vet. These aren’t just quirks, they’re signs of anxiety, a condition that affects countless pets and often leaves their owners feeling helpless. Whether it’s separation stress, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, anxiety can disrupt a pet’s well-being and strain the bond between animal and human. Advancing the standard of care for animals doesn’t just happen in veterinary practices; informed ownership leads to better care all around. By getting to the root of pet anxiety and educating on effective responses, veterinary professionals can empower and ease pet owners and their pets alike. Getting to the root of a pet’s anxiety Anxiety manifests in humans through rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling weak, restlessness, nervousness, paranoia, and more. Animals are no different. Pets experience anxiety from the anticipation of a fear-inducing stimulus. It can be situational or related to specific triggers such as being left alone, a visit to the vet, or fireworks during holidays. The most common forms of pet anxiety are: Separation Anxiety – when pets get nervous or uncomfortable when they are alone or separated from their family. Fear-Related Anxiety – stems from several factors, including early life experiences, environmental influences, or even genetics. Examples of triggers are loud noises, specific situations, and unfamiliar people/animals. Age-Related Anxiety – often associated with older dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), where memory, learning, perception, and awareness can decline and lead to confusion/anxiety. Helping pet owners understand the root of their pets’ anxiety can also help them understand the symptoms can show in many different forms, including but not limited to: Destructive Behavior Restlessness Hiding Loss of Appetite Clinginess Excessive Vocalization Urination or Defecation Aggression Empowering pet owners through education Pet anxiety doesn’t just affect the animal; it deeply impacts the owner’s emotional well-being and confidence in caregiving. When owners understand the signs of anxiety and the science behind it, they’re better equipped to respond with empathy and effectiveness. Education can foster trust between veterinarians and pet parents, creating a collaborative approach to care. It also helps demystify behaviors that might otherwise be misinterpreted as disobedience. For example, a dog chewing holes in the carpet when left alone can be sign of separation anxiety rather than the pet acting out. As a veterinary professional, you play a vital role in this learning process. By offering clear explanations, personalized guidance, and evidence-based resources, you empower owners to take proactive steps. This includes recognizing early warning signs, implementing calming strategies, and knowing when to seek medical support. When pet parents feel empowered, they become active participants in their pet’s healing journey, reducing stress for everyone involved—and most likely making visits to your practice much simpler in many cases! How pet owners can ease pet anxiety Managing pet anxiety requires a blend of behavioral techniques, environmental adjustments, and sometimes medical intervention. Here are some proven strategies to share with your clients: Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, cozy area where their pet can retreat during stressful moments. Familiar blankets, toys, and scents can help soothe them. Desensitization and Counterconditioning: Gradually expose pets to anxiety triggers in a controlled way with professional guidance from a certified behaviorist or trainer, pairing the experience with positive reinforcement. Routine and Predictability: Pets thrive on consistency. Regular feeding, walking, and play schedules can reduce uncertainty and stress. In severe cases, you may recommend anti-anxiety medications based on the short-term or long-term needs of a pet. For example, short-term medications can help pets relax when they come to your practice for a visit, making their appointment as stress-free as possible Common pet anxiety medications include: Fluoxetine – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) often used for long-term anxiety management. Trazodone – frequently prescribed for situational anxiety, such as vet visits or travel. Clomipramine – a tricyclic antidepressant used for separation anxiety. Gabapentin – often used in both dogs and cats to reduce fear and anxiety, particularly during veterinary visits. Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam) – short-acting medications used for acute stress events or predictable triggers such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Buspirone – sometimes prescribed, particularly in cats, for generalized anxiety. These medications help regulate mood and reduce fear responses, but they work best when paired with behavior modification techniques. It’s important to talk through all the symptoms and options with your clients to determine the right medication and dosage for each pet’s unique needs. Office-Use Medications for Your Practice & Patients Our team knows that quality and consistency are non-negotiable when it comes to pet health. That’s why we proudly manufacture gabapentin, fluoxetine, and other essential medications to FDA standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in every dose. Learn more about our veterinary medication portfolio! View our Products Stokes Pharmacy also compounds many of these other drugs for individual patient prescriptions! Pet anxiety is more than a behavioral issue. It’s a health concern that can affect the entire household. For veterinary professionals, recognizing the signs of anxiety is just the beginning. The real impact comes from guiding pet owners with clarity, empathy, and evidence-based solutions. Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to transform fear into comfort and confusion into clarity. Through thoughtful education, personalized care plans, and access to trusted medications, you empower owners to become confident caregivers. We believe that every pet deserves peace of mind and every owner deserves the tools to provide it. From manufacturing high-quality medications to supporting wellness education, we offer a variety of resources that your practice can share so you and your clients can make compassionate care a reality, together. Get more tips and resources to share with pet owners Resource Library