Your first visit

We’ll guide you every step of the way.

A referral to a specialist can feel overwhelming, for you and for your pet. We’re here to light the way, so you leave with answers, a clear plan and a team in your corner that genuinely cares.

Our servicesCommon Conditions

Where we practice

Mobile care, all under one roof.

Helios Veterinary Vision is an independent mobile veterinary ophthalmology practice. We see our patients at Dixie Animal Hospital in Mississauga, where we have our own space for appointments and patient care. This provides a base location for consistency, but flexibility to work with neighbouring clinics.

If your pet requires surgery, Dr. Strong will perform the procedure within Dixie Animal Hospital’s surgical suite, using our own specialized ophthalmic equipment. You won’t be starting over with someone new. The same team that saw your pet at their consultation will care for them through surgery, recovery, and every recheck after.

Veterinary treatment room with an exam table and anesthesia machine

Your initial consultation

One fee. Comprehensive testing.

We believe you should know what to expect before you walk through the door.

Included in your first visit

  • Complete ophthalmic exam with our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Strong
  • Diagnostic eye testing, including tear production, fluorescein staining, and eye pressure
  • Advanced diagnostics such as ERG and ocular ultrasound, when indicated
  • A personalized treatment plan for your pet, with time to answer all of your questions
  • A detailed discharge summary to take home
  • A full report sent to your primary care veterinarian

Additional services, as needed

  • Lab submissions, such as bloodwork or cultures
  • Take-home medications
  • In appointment treatments

We’ll always discuss any additional costs with you before moving ahead.

What we offer

Our services and equipment.

Specialty eye care tailored to each patient, from ongoing medical management to advanced diagnostics and surgery.

Medical management

Many ocular diseases such as dry eye (KCS) or Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) can be managed with medications and routine monitoring. We’ll build a treatment plan tailored to your pet, track their progress at rechecks, and adjust as needed to keep them comfortable and protect their vision long-term.

What we treat

Common conditions

From cataracts and corneal injuries to dry eye and vision loss, we diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions to help your pet see and feel their best.

Cataracts

Signs to watch for

  • A cloudy, white or blue-grey pupil
  • Bumping into furniture, especially in dim light
  • Hesitating on stairs or before jumping
  • Redness or squinting, possible if left untreated

Description

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that gradually blocks light and causes vision loss. It’s one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs, especially newly diagnosed diabetics. They often develop cataracts within six months of their diagnosis.

Surgery can often restore sight, and a full eye exam helps us determine whether your pet is a good candidate. Even if surgery isn’t the right path, an exam is still important, since cataracts can cause painful inflammation and glaucoma that can often be prevented or managed with medication.

Corneal abnormalities

Signs to watch for

  • Squinting or holding the eye closed
  • Tearing or discharge
  • Pawing or rubbing at the face
  • A cloudy or bluish patch on the eye

Description

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Ulcers, scratches and other corneal problems are painful, and some can quickly threaten vision if left untreated. Some of these conditions can be treated with medication, while others require surgery to stabilize the eye.

Indolent ulcers, a type of superficial ulcer, are especially common in middle-aged dogs and breeds such as Boxers, French bulldogs and Corgis. In cats, ulcers are often linked to feline herpesvirus, but flat-faced breeds such as Persians and Himalayans are especially prone.

Dry eye (KCS)

Signs to watch for

  • Thick, mucoid yellow or green discharge
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Dull dry-looking eye surface
  • Recurrent eye infections

Description

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when the eye doesn’t produce enough of the watery part of the tear film. In dogs, it’s most often caused by the immune system attacking the tear glands. Without enough tears, the eye’s surface becomes inflamed, leading to thick discharge, redness, a dull appearance and, over time, pigment and scarring that can affect vision.

Dry eye is usually a lifelong condition. Treatment typically includes daily medicated eye drops, along with lubricating gel and routine monitoring. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, West Highland White Terriers and Bulldogs are commonly affected.

Cherry eye

Signs to watch for

  • A round, pink swelling in the inner corner of the eye
  • Swelling may disappear and reappear early on
  • Irritation, tearing or discharge

Description

Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid prolapses, or slips out of place, appearing as a round, pink swelling in the inner corner of the eye. It’s most common in young dogs, often under two years of age, and breeds such as Bulldogs, Cane Corso’s, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus are frequently affected. It can occur in one or both eyes.

This gland produces a significant portion of the eye’s tears, and leaving it untreated can contribute to dry eye. Surgery gently repositions the gland back into place, helping protect tear production for the long term.

Eyelid disorders

Signs to watch for

  • Constant squinting or tearing
  • Eyelids that turn inward or droop outward
  • Eyelashes that touch the eye
  • Corneal ulcers that keep returning

Description

Eyelid problems can be present from birth or develop over time. Entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, causes hair to rub against the cornea with every blink. Ectropion, where the eyelid droops outward, leaves the eye exposed to irritation and infection. Abnormal eyelashes, such as distichia and ectopic cilia, can also scratch the eye’s surface. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic discomfort, ulcers and scarring.

Mild cases may be managed with lubricants, but most are corrected with surgery to reposition the eyelid or remove the problem lashes. Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Bulldogs and Maine Coons are commonly affected.

Vision loss

Signs to watch for

  • Bumping into things, or trouble seeing at night
  • Hesitating on stairs or in new places
  • Large pupils, or eyes that look different
  • A painful, red or cloudy eye (could be an emergency)

Description

Vision loss can develop gradually or suddenly. Pets often adapt well, so when only one eye is affected or the loss is gradual it can go unnoticed. Some sudden causes need treatment quickly so it’s important to be aware of any signs listed above.

Common conditions that can cause vision loss include cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis and retinal diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal detachment. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Shiba Inus are especially prone to glaucoma.

Questions

Questions from pet owners.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

Can I book an appointment without a referral?

Since we are a specialty referral practice we do need your veterinarian to reach out first. This makes sure we have your pet’s full medical history and we can ensure your veterinarian says updated.

My vet hasn’t referred to Helios before. What should I do?

That’s not a problem, all your need to do is ask them to refer you to Helios Veterinary Vision. We have an online referral submission page to make the process simple for your veterinarian. If it’s urgent, they can call us directly to discuss the details of your pets care.

How soon can my pet be seen?

We work hard to keep referral wait times short and aim to see patients within one week. When your veterinarian submits your referral, they will be able to see our current wait times.

What if it’s an emergency?

If your pet is having an ocular emergency, please don’t wait for a referral. Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic right away. Same day appointments may be possible in some cases, but will still require a referral from your veterinarian.

What eye conditions do you treat?

We diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions in dogs and cats, including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, eyelid problems, uveitis and conditions of the retina. If your veterinarian is unsure about an eye problem, we’re happy to get involved.

Do you see both dogs and cats?

Yes, dogs and cats make up a majority of the patients we treat and perform surgery on. We may be able to examine small mammals (i.e.. rabbits, guinea pigs) if you have a concern but please note we can’t perform surgery on them at this time.

How long does the first appointment take?

Please allow for at least 60 minutes or more for your first consultation. Eye conditions range from simple to complex and investigating may affect the length of appointment. We want time to answer your questions and explain your pets treatment plan.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Bring a list of your pet’s current medications (or the bottles), and keep giving any eye medications as usual unless your veterinarian has told you otherwise.

Will my pet need to be sedated for an eye exam?

Most eye exams don’t require sedation and can be done with gentle handling. If your pet has behavioural concerns or gets very stressed during appointments, we may require an oral sedative to be given ahead of time so we can make the most of your appointment. Sedation or anesthesia is only used for certain tests or procedures, and we’ll always discuss it with you first.

How much will treatment cost?

Every pet is different, so costs depend on the tests and treatment your pet needs. We’ll explain your options and give you a clear estimate before any further testing, treatment or surgery.

Will my family veterinarian be kept informed?

Yes, after every visit we send an appointment summary to your family veterinarian. Whether it’s one visit or many, they stay up to date on your pet’s ongoing care.

After hours

For current patients

If your pet has an urgent eye concern outside our regular hours, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital. You’re also welcome to leave us a message, and we’ll reach out as soon as we reopen to discuss next steps.

Not a patient yet?

If your pet’s eye suddenly looks painful or swollen, or they seem to have lost vision, don’t wait for a referral or appointment. For these or any urgent concerns, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.