Ophthalmology

    What we do

    The Ophthalmology Service focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases in dogs, cats and other companion animals. Our team comprises board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, residents, interns, and patient care staff who provide high quality, compassionate care for your pet. Patients with retinal disease are offered comprehensive evaluation and management through our Retinal Health Clinic.

    Our Services

    Conditions and Procedures

    Our Ophthalmology Service treats a wide range of eye conditions in dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Common issues we address include cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.

    Our Services

    Conditions and Procedures

    Our Ophthalmology Service treats a wide range of eye conditions in dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Common issues we address include cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.

    Common Conditions

    Dogs, cats, and other companion animals can suffer from a variety of ophthalmic conditions. Here is a list of some common problems we treat:

    • Cataracts
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Corneal Ulcer
    • Distichia
    • Entropion
    • Eyelid Tumors
    • Feline Herpesvirus
    • Glaucoma
    • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS or Dry Eye)
    • Prolapsed Gland of the Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye)
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Retinal Disease (including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARD)
    • Sudden Loss of Vision
    • Uveitis (inflammation of the eye)

    Ophthalmic Procedures

    The Ophthalmology team routinely addresses conditions using the following procedures:

    • Advanced Ocular Imaging (Including ultrasound, photography, and CT/MRI)
    • Cataract Surgery
    • Corneal Surgery
    • Electro-Diagnostic Procedures
    • Enucleation
    • Eyelid Reconstruction
    • Examinations for Breeding Dogs (OFA Eye Certification Registry, CERF)
    • Glaucoma Surgery
    • Gonioscopy
    • Laser Eye Surgery (Diode Laser)
    • Retinoscopy/Skiascopy

    Our Care Team

    Veterinarians

    Brady Beale

    Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO

    Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

    Additional Titles: Associate Dean of Clinical Enterprise, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Hospital Director and Chief Medical Officer, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital Dr. Beale currently serves as […]

    William Beltran

    William A. Beltran, DVM, PhD, DECVO

    Corinne R. and Henry Bower Professor of Ophthalmology

    Dr. Beltran is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. He consults at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and teaches clinical ophthalmology to veterinary students.

    Valerie L. Dufour

    Valerie L. Dufour, DVM, DECVO

    Assistant Professor of Translational Ophthalmology

    Valérie L. Dufour, DVM, MSc, dip. ECVO, is an assistant Professor of small animal ophthalmology in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine. She received her veterinary degree from […]

    Elaine Holt

    Elaine Holt, DVM, DACVO, DECVO

    Professor, Clinical Ophthalmology

    Elaine Holt obtained her DVM from the University of Illinois. She completed a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center, NYC, and a residency in Comparative Ophthalmology at UC […]

    Mary E. Lassaline

    Mary E. Lassaline, DVM, PhD, DACVO

    Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

    Additional Titles: Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

    Residents and Intern

    Tiffany Chen

    Tiffany Chen, DVM

    Ophthalmology, Resident
    Younjin Han

    Younjin Han, DVM

    Ophthalmology, Intern
    Ronald Rinaldi

    Ronald Rinaldi, VMD

    Ophthalmology, Resident

    Staff

    Lee Kiszonas, CVT
    Nursing Assistant

    Holly Kleva, CVT
    Veterinary Technician

    Gaining Insight Into

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited (genetic) diseases that cause dogs to gradually lose vision in both eyes. It is usually caused by a genetic mutation in the dog’s DNA.

    Learn More about PRA

    Ryan Veterinary Hospital

    Emergencies:
    (215) 746-8911

    By Appointment:
    (215) 746-8387

    3900 Spruce Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Get Directions