Dr. Erica Tolar is a board certified ophthalmologist who began a full time ophthalmology service at LVSES. She provides all examination procedures for the eyes of dogs and cats including:

• Slit lamp evaluation of the front part of the eye, including the cornea (clear surface of the eye), uvea (colored part of the eye also known as the iris) and lens (location of cataract formation)
• Examination of the retina (the back of the eye) including electroretinogram (examines the function of the retina)
• Testing of the tear production (Schirmer tear test) and tear drainage (nasolacrimal flushing) Ultrasound examination of the inside of the eye
• Removal of fluid from within the eye (Aqueous and vitreal centesis)
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) examinations for breeds of dogs susceptible to having eye problems. This examination can only be performed by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.

Dr. Tolar also offers the ability to perform surgery on the eye including:

• Cataract surgery- a surgery that should only be performed by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist
• Cryosurgery (use of freezing techniques) for eyelid and other tumors around the eye
• Surgery of the cornea including grafts for ulcers, removal of tumors and emergency surgery for lacerations
• Laser therapy for glaucoma
• Eye tacking for breeds of dogs that have eyelids turned in (Shar Pei and other breeds)
• Removal of the eye and placement of prosthesis (false eye)

Please consult with your veterinarian about a referral to Dr. Tolar for any eye problem. LVSES also offers 24-hour care and timely placement of eye medications after surgery, especially cataract surgery, until discharge to home care.

Dr. Tolar examines and treats horses with eye problems, as well! She generally works out of Equine Surgical Services in Simpsonville. Please call LVSES for details and to arrange an examination of your horse's eye(s). Please do not call Equine Surgical Services to make an appointment; contact LVSES.