Advances in knowledge, instrumentation and techniques for diagnosing and treating eye diseases in pets have made it difficult for the general practitioner to have all the equipment and expertise necessary to deal with uncommon or complex ophthalmologic problems. As a result, when your veterinarian encounters a problem requiring special knowledge, skills, or equipment; wants a second opinion; confirmation of a diagnosis; or advice on how to proceed with a difficult case, he or she will refer your pet to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

         Animal Eye Associates of St. Louis is a veterinary ophthalmology referral practice started by Ben W. Johnson, DVM, Diplomate ACVO. Animal Eye Associates provides specialized veterinary services limited to the diagnosis and treatment of companion animal eye diseases.   We are not associated with any other emergency service, private practice, or referral center. Routine veterinary services (vaccinations, surgical or medical management of conditions unrelated to the eyes, etc.) will not be provided at any time by Animal Eye Associates.  

          With most patients , the ophthalmic examination is noninvasive and usually causes minimal discomfort. Most of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Based on our initial examination, in many patients, we are able to provide the owner with a diagnosis, a prognosis, and therapeutic options before getting into appreciable expense.  We are conservative in our approach toward surgery but if surgery is needed, a detailed estimate of charges will be provided before proceeding. Except for emergency surgeries, surgery will usually be scheduled for a different day. Occasionally examination of the eyes reveals evidence of disease processes originating from other areas of the body. In these situations, referral to a different veterinary specialist may be recommended

Conditions that we commonly manage include, but are not limited to:

• Cataracts-although cataract surgery in no longer offered
• Eyelid abnormalities including entropion, tumors, inflammatory lesions, and trauma
• Conjunctivitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Corneal ulcers, trauma, infections, infiltrates, dystrophies, and degenerations
• Intraocular inflammation (uveitis) and tumors
• Glaucoma
• Retinal degeneration or detachment
• Orbital problems
• Neurological problems including optic neuritis and Horner’s Syndrome

Procedures that we commonly perform include, but are not limited to:

• Diagnostic ophthalmic examination
• OFA examinations
• Intraocular prosthesis for treatment of chronic glaucoma
• Eyelid surgeries including entropion repair
• Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery of eyelid lesions, often under local anaesthesia only
• Cryosurgery or electrolysis of distichia
• Tacking of a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid
• Surgical repair of corneal lacerations and deep ulcers

Diffuse Iris Melanoma in a Cat

Post Operative Cataract Surgery with an acrylic intraocular lens

WELCOME

Last edited  July, 2015

Download our Practice Brochure.PDF

NOTICE

      Because of the St. Louis county mandated  Covid-19 quarantine, the office will be open on a limited basis  for urgent and emergency cases.

• Call to make sure we are open before coming to the clinic
• When you arrive at the clinic, stay in your car and phone the clinic to let us know that you have arrived. When we are ready for the examination, you will be escorted directly to the exam room
• No waiting in the reception area
• Only one person in the examination room

       We appreciate your understanding during these trying times.