Calgary service dogs in training get free eye exams

Being a service dog is no small task so it's important that theanimal's visionis in tip-top shape.

That's why veterinary ophthalmologistslikeBrian Skorobohach volunteer their time to do free eye exams on pups training to become potential lifelines for people with special needs.

"Especially if people with vision issues are going to be taking them around, they need to have normal vision, these dogs," said Skorobohach.

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This marks the ninth year that theACVO/StokesRxNational Service AnimalEye Exam Eventhas been held across North America.

Since the program'sinception in 2008, more than 45,000 service animals have received free eye exams, includingmore than 7,000 last year, alone.

Skorobohachhas a doggie eye chart up in his Calgary office, complete with images of bones and food dishes that get smaller and smaller as you look down the inverted pyramid.

Of course, it's just for laughs, as hesaid the actualscreening process involves taking a close look at both the front and back of the animals' eyes,using a variety of ophthalmologicaltools.

He said his exam involvesinspecting dogs' eyes to see if there are any problems withthe cornea, lens,retina oroptic nerve.

Volunteer Hayley Saunders saidfostering and training aservicedog is anexpensive undertaking so it's helpful to have the free eye exams.

"That kind of support is really, really crucial for their development and ultimately their ability to help somebody in the future," she said.

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