NAVC Institute provides access to veterinary education in ophthalmology
The 23rd annual event features a 4-day course with various eye care topics covered and hands-on training
Photo courtesy of the North American Veterinary Community
Kate Myrna, DVM, MS, DACVO, stands with a patient following a successful ophthalmologic examination.
From May 20 to May 24, 2024, the annual North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Institute will take place in Orlando, Florida, with veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians, planning to attend. At the 23rd NAVC Institute, attendees will spend a week learning about one specific veterinary medicine discipline from world-renowned veterinary professionals specializing in that area.1
A main focus this year will be on ophthalmology. “Eye problems are always an emergency and can go from irritation to sudden blindness within minutes,” Dana Varble, DVM, CAE and NAVC, chief veterinary officer said in a news release. "The eye is unlike any other part of the body and almost always requires a specialist. The hands-on training and skills veterinarians and veterinary nurses [and] technicians gain at NAVC Institute, whether it’s in ophthalmology or orthopedic surgery, enable general practitioners to treat their patients, providing more immediate easily accessible care.”1
An article published by the American Veterinary Medical Association expressed how common ocular diseases are in animals, stating how dry eye disease, uveitis and glaucoma are very common in domestic animals. The article also noted how spontaneous, genetic, and diabetic cataracts are especially frequent in dogs.2
Considering how common ocular diseases are among animals, Kate Myrna, DVM, MS, DACVO, an associate professor at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, elaborated on the importance of expanding access to ophthalmology education and skills. “In today’s economic environment, not everyone has the means to accept a referral to a specialist. With less than 600 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists in the entire US, many pet owners do not have access to a specialist, especially in some states where there aren’t any. By teaching veterinarians and veterinary technicians the basics of ophthalmology along with advanced skills, they will be able to provide an animal with the veterinary care it needs,” she said in the news release.1
During the NAVC Institute’s 4-day ophthalmology course, participants will receive hands-on training that will provide them with skills that can be immediately put into practice. The course, being led by Myrna will include the following sessions1:
- A hands-on examination workshop with pet dogs
- Eyelid surgery education and a surgery wet lab for pets with excess eyelids, such as Shar Pei dogs, bulldogs, and Persian cats
- Restoring vision to animals with cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes-related vision loss
The course will also cover common eye diseases and how to perform, understand, and troubleshoot ophthalmic exams. Time will also be allotted for questions.3
Apart from ophthalmology, the NAVC Institute offers courses on orthopedic surgery, small animal ultrasound, soft tissue surgery and strategic leadership for veterinary practice managers.
References
- Does your dog need glasses? From removing cataracts and performing surgeries to restore vision, veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians master ophthalmology and other new skills at the 23rd NAVC Institute. News release. North American Veterinary Community. May 13, 2024. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://navc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Press-Release-Opthalmology-23rd-NAVC-Institute-2024.pdf
- Gilger BC. How study of naturally occurring ocular disease in animals improves ocular health globally. JAVMA. 2022;260(15). https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.08.0383
- Ophthalmology. North American Veterinary Community. Accessed May 16, 2024. https://navc.com/institute/ophthalmology/
