rDVM Services

Specialized Eye Care for Every Patient

At EYE KNOW OPHTHO, we provide advanced diagnostic and surgical eye care designed to preserve vision and ensure comfort. Combining state-of-the-art technology along with a compassionate approach, we offer specialized solutions for horses and small animal surgical ophthalmology cases. In addition, we offer professional consulting services and continuing education opportunities for our veterinary colleagues.

Close-up of a person's brown eye reflecting a landscape with blue sky and clouds.

Equine Ophthalmic Consultations (In-Person)

Sport horses as well as companion horses have unique visual requirements and are prone to specific ocular challenges. We provide comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations for equine patients at 3 separate equine hospitals in Ontario.

  • Exam offerings: Comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmology examinations, Pre-purchase examinations, Routine wellness checks for performance, senior horses and horses at risk of ophthalmic disease (Appaloosa, Friesian) to maintain peak visual health.

  • Advanced Imaging: Slit lamp biomicroscopy, Indirect ophthalmoscopy, ocular ultrasound and ophthalmic lesion imaging.

  • Cutting edge Treatment modalities: Diode Laser, Photodynamic therapy, Cryosurgery, Advanced corneal surgeries, Equine recurrent uveitis management.

Small Animal Surgical Ophthalmology Services

We offer surgical expertise beyond the scope of general practice. The unique nature of our practice allows us to offer mobile specialized ophthalmic procedures in the comfort of most primary care practices.  To this end, advanced microsurgical techniques (cataract surgery or corneal grafting), needing a referral setting, are not offered.

Common small animal ophthalmic surgeries:

  • Cherry eye

  • Entropion/ ectropion repair

  • Enucleation

  • Indolent ulcer treatment

  • Distichia/ectopic cilia removal

  • Eyelid mass removal

  • Eyelid blepharoplasty for large masses or congenital abnormalities

Pre-Surgical Assessment: Every surgical recommendation begins with a thorough evaluation either through an in person exam (vet to vet) or a teleconsultation to ensure the patient is an ideal candidate for surgery in the primary care facility and for a successful outcome.

Teleconsultation Services (Vet-to-Vet)

We believe in a collaborative approach to veterinary medicine. Our professional teleconsultation service allows primary care veterinarians to access specialist insights quickly and efficiently, regardless of their location in Canada.

  • Case Review: Digital review of ophthalmic photos, videos, and medical histories.

  • Diagnostic Support: Expert guidance on interpreting specialized tests and formulating treatment plans for complex cases.

  • Referral Triage: Assistance in determining which patients require immediate surgical intervention or can be managed through specialized medical protocols in your clinic.

Continuing Education

Tailored Ophthalmic Training - Elevating Your Clinical Excellence
Take your practice’s eye care to the next level with continuing education tailored to your interests. I offer personalized training sessions designed to fit your team’s specific needs—delivered directly in your facility using your own equipment. From mastering an efficient ophthalmic examination to understanding how to manage common ophthalmic conditions, let’s build a curriculum that empowers you and your staff.

Ready to Get Started?

  • Pet and Horse Owners: We recommend speaking with your primary veterinarian to facilitate a referral.

  • Veterinarians: Please use our [Online Referral Portal] to submit patient records or request a teleconsultation.

 

  • "Dr. Richards has been a fantastic mentor and support for our clinic."

    Her teleconsults provide an excellent option for clients and veterinarians when referral is difficult. Patients that I have referred to her personally have received excellent care and follow-up support. Dr. Richards does not utilize a one size fits all approach, and will try to provide different options based on our client's budget or the individual patient. I would highly recommend her services to any of my clients or colleagues. 

    - Dr. Anna Allossery

  • "She is not only an excellent ophthalmologist, but a deeply compassionate colleague and veterinarian."

    I have worked with Dr. Richards on equine patients for many years, and she is not only an excellent ophthalmologist, but a deeply compassionate colleague and veterinarian. She is experienced, skilled, hardworking, and kind, and is continually expanding her knowledge, diagnostic and treatment offerings to ensure she is providing the best possible care for her patients and for the broader equine and companion animal community. She is also thoughtful and intentional about building systems and services that improve access to care, while never losing sight of the individual horse in front of her.

    Once she has evaluated and diagnosed a patient, Dr. Richards works closely with both referring veterinarians and clients to develop treatment plans that are realistic and achievable for each case. Whether navigating smaller budgets or practical limitations, or managing complex problems in incredibly valuable animals, she has an exceptional ability to tailor her approach without compromising the quality of care. She is consistently generous with her time and clinical insight, taking care to walk referring veterinarians through cases and decision-making, and she remains readily available to support colleagues when things are not progressing as expected.

    Dr. Richards is highly collaborative, deeply respected, and a true asset to the veterinarians and clients she works with. Her impact extends far beyond the patients she personally treats, strengthening outcomes for countless animals through her expertise, mentorship, and collegial support.

    - Dr. Andrea Dubé - Inglemere Equine Veterinary Services