Policy Statement
Published: March 2006
Revised: June 2011, November 2015, June 2020
Introduction
This policy statement describes the circumstances under which diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) are permitted to conduct ophthalmic screening programs. These programs facilitate access to the services provided by a diplomate of the ACVO to screen for hereditary ophthalmic conditions.
Scope
This policy statement applies to diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) who wish to conduct ophthalmic screening programs at accredited veterinary facilities, and at unaccredited locations through the issuance of a temporary certificate of accreditation.
Application for Certificate of Accreditation for a Temporary Facility
The requirements for the issuing of a temporary certificate of accreditation are that the applicant:
- Is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
Is responsible for conducting the ophthalmic examinations, assessments and evaluations.
Is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario.
Submits an online application which includes an undertaking to the College in the format provided at least 14 days prior to the scheduled date of the program.
Ensures that fees for veterinary services are paid directly to the diplomate of the ACVO conducting the program and not to an outside agency. None of this precludes the diplomate of the ACVO donating any or all the proceeds collected to a third party.
Diplomates of the ACVO conducting an ophthalmic screening program must ensure that they:
Ask basic questions about the general health of the animal in order to determine whether or not to proceed with the ophthalmic screening.
Do not administer sedation or anesthetic agents to the animal being evaluated to facilitate the examination. They may administer topical ophthalmic medications to facilitate the ophthalmic examination.
Store topical ophthalmic medications in a manner that maintains safety and efficacy.
Do not prescribe or dispense any medications to the animal being evaluated.
Establish infection control protocols to ensure the safe examination of animals.
Provide the custodian of each evaluated animal with a signed copy of the evaluation form.
Abide by the expectations of the standards of practice of the veterinary profession.
Medical Records Requirements
The medical records required shall be maintained in a systematic manner, must be legibly written or typewritten, must be retained for a period of at least five years after the date of the last entry in the record or until two years after the member ceases to practice veterinary medicine, whichever occurs first, and may be limited to:
- A reasonable identification of the examined animal;
- The owners name and contact information (e.g., address, telephone numbers, email, etc.); and
- The date and results of the evaluation.
Legislative Authority
Ontario Regulation 1093 sections 10(2)(1)(b), 12(3), 13, 14(4.1), 17(5), 18(3)(c), 20(8), 22(4.1)
College publications contain practice parameters and standards which should be considered by all Ontario veterinarians in the care of their patients and in the practice of the profession. College publications are developed in consultation with the profession and describe current professional expectations. It is important to note that these College publications may be used by the College or other bodies in determining whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been maintained. The College encourages you to refer to the website (www.cvo.org) to ensure you are referring to the most recent version of any document.