A veterinary ophthalmologist is a veterinarian who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of animal eye diseases. Following eight years of college and veterinary school, veterinary ophthalmologists usually complete a one-year internship, followed by a 2-3 year residency in comparative ophthalmology.
Residency typically takes place at a veterinary teaching hospital under the guidance of senior ophthalmologists. Following this, the veterinarian must complete Board exams at which point they would be recognized as a Diplomate ACVO (DACVO) or board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology.
Board certifications happen through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), a speciality board of the American Veterinary Medicine Association. ACVO sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary ophthalmology.