Board-certified veterinary ophthalmology
Your pet’s eyes are in expert hands.
From routine eye exams to complex surgical care, our goal is to protect what matters most – your pet’s sight.
Welcome to Helios
Dedicated eye care
you can trust.
When your pet needs specialized eye care, choosing the right doctor can feel like a big decision. Helios is led by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with years of experience caring for companion animals. As an extension of your trusted veterinarian, we aim to provide the same attention and compassion you’re already comfortable with.
- Specialist expertise with board-certification
- Years of local experience
- Shorter referral wait times
Helios is a referral-only specialty practice, so we’re only able to see patients with a referral from their registered veterinarian that includes up-to-date medical records.
We’ve developed a custom referral form, so you can refer patients securely and easily, in minutes.
Getting started
How the process works
We’re primarily a referral practice, which means your veterinarian will need to reach out to us first. Here’s a short guide so you can see how that happens.
Your veterinarian submits a referral using our online form. This will include your pets medical history and any recent testing done so nothing important gets left out.
Our team contacts you directly to book your pet’s visit, usually within a few days of receiving the referral.
The ophthalmologist performs a thorough eye exam, with diagnostics included. We listen to your concerns, and leave you with a clear plan for your pets treatment and next steps.
We send a full report to your veterinarian, so everyone stays on the same page. Whether your pet needs surgery, short term or long term medical management, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Meet your ophthalmologist
Travis Strong, DVM, MS, DACVO
Dr. Strong has cared for pets’ eyes in Toronto and surrounding communities for many years, seeing thousands of patients along the way. His path to veterinary ophthalmology included studies in molecular and evolutionary biology, optics and biotechnology, giving him a deep understanding of vision and eye health.
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin
- Three-year ophthalmology residency, Iowa State University
Why Choose Helios
What we bring to the table
Here’s what sets us apart as a specialist and why we believe Helios is the right choice for your pet’s eye care.
| Feature |  |
Other offices |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics included in your first consultation | ||
| Board-certified ophthalmologist | ||
| Short referral wait times | ||
| Same doctor at every visit | ||
| Care for dogs and cats |
At Home warning Signs
Healthy eyes start with knowing what to look for.
From cataracts to glaucoma, we diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. Identifying concerns early can lead to a better outcome for your pet.
Squinting or holding an eye closed
This is often a sign of pain or irritation. If your pet keeps an eye closed, it’s important to have it looked at.
Redness and eye irritation
Red eyes can have many causes, from mild inflammation to increased eye pressure. If you notice redness in or around your pet’s eye, it’s worth having it checked.
Swelling on or around the eye
Swelling may be caused by an injury, infection or growth. Any new swelling should be investigated.
Cloudiness or unusual eye colour
A cloudy, white, bluish or changed-looking eye can point to several conditions, some of which may affect vision if left untreated.
Eye discharge and tearing
Excessive tearing or thick, coloured discharge can signal irritation, infection or another eye problem. New or ongoing discharge should be evaluated.
Rubbing or pawing at the eye
Pets often rub their face when an eye feels irritated or painful. Frequent rubbing can make the problem worse, so it’s best to have it checked early.