For pet owners
Eye care starts with a closer look.
If your pet needs an eye specialist, your family veterinarian will refer them to us, and we’ll take it from there.
Why board-certified
Not all eye care is the same.
A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist has completed years of advanced training focused solely on the eye, followed by rigorous exams through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Helios Veterinary Vision is one of the few veterinary ophthalmology practices in the GTA, and every patient is seen by a board-certified specialist. Look for the letters DACVO, or verify credentials at acvo.org.
How it works
The referral process
From the moment you notice a change to the day you leave with a plan, we’re here for you every step of the way.
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You notice something isn’t quite right.
Signs like squinting, redness, cloudiness or subtle changes in how your pet gets around can point to a bigger issue.
Eye problems can show up in obvious ways, like discharge or rubbing at the eye, or in quieter ways, like bumping into furniture or hesitating on the stairs. You know your pet best, so if something seems off, it’s worth having it checked by your veterinarian.
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Your family veterinarian takes a look
If your pet needs specialized eye care, ask about a referral to Helios.
Your veterinarian may start with some initial checks, such as measuring eye pressure or using a stain to look for scratches and ulcers. Some eye problems can be treated by your family veterinarian, but if your pet’s condition needs more advanced diagnostics or isn’t improving with treatment, a referral to Helios may be the best next step.
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Your veterinarian sends us a referral.
Your pet's history and recent test results help us prepare.
Referrals are submitted through our website, along with your pet’s medical history, current medications and any recent test results. This helps us understand your pet’s needs before we meet, so your first visit is as focused and useful as possible. You don’t need to send us anything yourself.
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We review your pet's case and reach out.
We'll contact you with our earliest available appointment.
Our team contacts you directly, usually within a few days of receiving the referral, to book your pet’s visit. Most patients are seen within a week, but if your pet’s eye gets worse before your appointment, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital right away.
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You confirm the booking.
A secure deposit holds your appointment
Once your appointment is scheduled, we’ll send a secure link to pay your deposit, which is applied to your consultation fee. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 48 hours notice so we can offer the time to another pet in need. Deposits may be non-refundable for cancellations made with less notice.
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We meet you and your pet.
A relaxed introduction, then a detailed look at your pet’s eyes.
We’ll start with a few questions about your pet and some standard testing, followed by a full eye exam with Dr. Strong. Please allow some extra time in case additional diagnostics are needed. We’ll explain what we find and communicate results clearly before any further testing or treatment.
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We keep everyone in the loop.
A summary for you and your veterinarian, plus clear next steps.
You’ll receive a detailed discharge summary after your appointment, so there’s no stress trying to remember everything the doctor discussed. A full report is also sent to your family veterinarian after every visit. If your pet needs a recheck, medication or surgery, we’ll plan those with you, and you’re always welcome to reach out with questions.
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.
Before your visit
Prepare for your appointment.
A little planning helps us make the most of your pet’s visit.
Bring their medications
Bring a list of your pet’s current medications and doses, or simply bring the bottles with you. Please give all medications as prescribed before your visit, unless otherwise instructed.
Ask about sedation
If your pet gets anxious at the vet, let us know ahead of time. We may recommend a mild oral sedative before your appointment to help your pet feel more at ease and make the most of your visit.
Arrive early
Since we’re a small team, we work hard to keep appointments on track. Arriving 10 minutes early gives your pet time to settle in and helps us focus on the time we have together.
After your visit
Ongoing care,
at every stage.
We’re here to help guide your pet toward brighter days.
Rechecks
We’ll book any follow-up visits before you leave and send a reminder ahead of time.
Surgery
If your pet requires surgery, we will walk you through an estimate and the procedure in detail so you know what to expect.
Questions
Reach out anytime about medications or changes you notice at home. Email is currently the best way to reach us, with texting coming soon. For medication refills, please call and leave a message on our pharmacy line.
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.