[Nfbf-l] FW: [fcb-l] Fw: [leadership] service dog eye exams

[Patricia A. Lipovsky]

Sharing FYI
 
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Sharon Lovering via leadership  <leadership at acblists.org>
To: leadership at acblists.org
Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 10:39 am
Subject: [leadership] service dog eye exams

>
>
> I received the notice below and thought some of you might be interested  or know someone who is. Please share this far and wide.
>  
> 9th Annual National Service Animal Eye Exam Event  for a free 
> screening eye exam this May MERIDIAN, Idaho (February 16, 2016)  Last year, 16-year-old Katie Krampitz and her father brought her one-year-old black lab, Rue, to her veterinary ophthalmologists office for a check-up. But Rues visit was no ordinary exam, because Rue is no ordinary dog. For Katie, who has suffered from Type 1 Diabetes since she was a toddler, Rue is a literal lifesaver. Trained as a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) by Warren Retrievers, Rues primary job is to monitor Katies blood sugar level and alert her when it is too high or too low.
>  
> Knowing how important eyesight is to service animals like Rue, as well as how expensive the care and cost of such animals can be for many families and individuals, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) developed the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event in 2008. The program allows for free screening eye exams for qualified Service Animals during the month of May.
> In her job as a DAD, Rues eyesight is extremely important. She needs to always be aware of Katies surroundings and follow her wherever she goes. In public, Rue maintains eye contact with Katie, responding to nonverbal, as well as verbal instructions. When Katies blood sugar level is out of range, Rue will locate her testing kit and bring it to her. If her blood sugar level gets too low, Rue can retrieve a juice box for Katie and is also being trained to call 911, should Katie be unresponsive.
> Amazingly, within eight months of receiving Rue, Katies A1C was the lowest it has ever been, said Ed Krampitz, Katies father. Thats just one of the reasons we were so pleased to hear that Rues eyes looked perfectly normal and healthy at her exam last year. Service Animals require a significant investment, so having access to a free eye exam screening is a huge blessing. The screening itself was quick and stress-free. Thanks to ACVO and Stokes Pharmacy for making this service available!
> The 9th Annual ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event will be held May 1-31, 2016 Since its inception in 2008, over 45,000 Service Animals have received free eye exam screenings  more than 7,000 in 2015 alone. The event started when ACVO recognized the good that was already being done by many members; the majority of whom were providing similar free exams across the country. By combining and expanding these individual events, ACVO was able to create more of an impact. 
>  
> The goal of the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event is to provide as many free screening exams as possible to eligible Service Animals across the U.S. and Canada throughout the month of May. Service Animals that may qualify include: guide, handicapped assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and certified-current, registered therapy animals  all whom selflessly serve the public. 
>  
> This years event is sponsored by ACVO and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors, and volunteer ophthalmologists. Participating ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff and facilities at no charge to participate in the event.
> How to Register for the 2016 Event:
>  
> To qualify, service animals must be active working animals that were certified by a formal training program or organization, or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Owners/agents for the animal(s) must FIRST register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org. Registration ends April 30. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number and will be allowed access to a list of participating ophthalmologists in their area. Then, they may contact a specialist to schedule an appointment, which will take place during the month of May. Times may vary depending on the facility and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so clients should try to register and make appointments early. 
>