7 Shocking Facts About Veterinary Eye Institute Upland: What Every Pet Owner Must Know
Is your beloved pet struggling with vision issues? In the world of specialized animal healthcare, finding a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is crucial, and for pet owners in Southern California, the Veterinary Eye Institute (VEI) in Upland, CA, stands out as a premier destination. As of late 2025, this facility continues to be a leading center for advanced, compassionate eye care, dedicated to preserving and improving the sight of dogs, cats, and even exotic animals in the Inland Empire and beyond.
The Veterinary Eye Institute Upland, formerly known as Veterinary Ophthalmic Consulting, is not just a standard veterinary clinic; it is a specialized referral center. They focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating complex ocular diseases, offering everything from routine eye exams to intricate surgical procedures. Understanding the depth of their expertise and the technology they utilize can be the first step in protecting your companion's vision and overall quality of life.
The Board-Certified Team and Clinic Profile at VEI Upland
The strength of the Veterinary Eye Institute Upland lies in its team of highly credentialed specialists. The clinic is part of the larger VEI network, which is veterinarian-owned and led, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on providing the best possible patient care.
- Location: 1041 E 16th St, Ste C, Upland, CA.
- Affiliation: Part of the Veterinary Eye Institute (VEI) network, a leader in stand-alone veterinary ophthalmology practices.
- Former Name: The Upland location was previously known as Veterinary Ophthalmic Consulting.
- Primary Focus: Specialized veterinary ophthalmology services for dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
Key Doctors and Their Specializations
The VEI Upland team includes multiple Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists, which means they have completed extensive training, including veterinary school, an internship, and a multi-year residency, followed by a rigorous examination process to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO or ACVO).
- Dr. Sara Calvarese, DVM, Diplomate, ACVO: A Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist who has been a core specialist at the Upland location for many years.
- Dr. Christian Munevar, DVM, DACVO: Another highly respected Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist providing expert care at VEI Upland.
- Dr. Amarpreet Deol, DVM: Dr. Deol brings a deep passion for all aspects of veterinary medicine, with a special interest in diseases of the cornea and the highly specialized field of exotic animal ophthalmology.
- Sarah Schuck, RVT: A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who is a key member of the surgical and technical support team.
7 Essential Services and Conditions Treated at VEI Upland
The scope of practice at a specialty clinic like VEI Upland goes far beyond what a general veterinarian can offer. They provide both medical and surgical services for a comprehensive range of ocular issues.
1. Advanced Cataract Surgery
Cataracts—a clouding of the lens—are one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. VEI Upland is fully equipped to perform phacoemulsification, the same advanced surgical technique used in humans, to remove the cloudy lens and restore vision. This procedure is a cornerstone of their practice.
2. Management of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful condition caused by increased pressure within the eye, which can quickly lead to irreversible blindness. The team provides urgent and long-term medical and surgical management options, including cyclophotocoagulation and gonioimplants, to control intraocular pressure and save vision.
3. Treatment for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Often referred to simply as "Dry Eye," KCS is a chronic condition where the eye does not produce enough tears. If left untreated, it causes pain, corneal damage, and vision loss. VEI specialists develop personalized treatment plans, often involving topical medications or parotid duct transposition surgery in severe cases.
4. Corneal Disease and Ulcer Repair
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. VEI Upland treats everything from simple corneal abrasions to deep, complicated corneal ulcers that may require advanced surgical techniques like grid keratotomy, conjunctival grafts, or corneal transplants. Dr. Deol’s special interest in corneal diseases ensures expert care in this area.
5. Specialized Exotic Animal Ophthalmology
A unique offering at the Upland clinic is the expertise in treating non-traditional pets. Dr. Deol's focus on exotic animal ophthalmology means owners of birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other exotic species can find specialized care for their unique ocular anatomy and conditions.
6. Eyelid and Ocular Adnexa Abnormalities
Many eye problems stem from issues with the surrounding structures, known as the ocular adnexa. This includes conditions like entropion (eyelid rolling inward), ectropion (eyelid rolling outward), and "Cherry Eye" (a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid). VEI performs delicate reconstructive surgery to correct these painful, vision-threatening abnormalities.
7. Ocular Emergency and Trauma Care
Eye injuries or sudden vision loss constitute a true emergency. VEI Upland is equipped to handle ocular emergency situations, such as sudden onset glaucoma, severe trauma, or acute retinal detachment, often working closely with referring veterinarians to provide immediate, life-saving care for the eye.
Why Referral to a Board-Certified Specialist Matters
When a pet develops an eye problem, the first step is usually a visit to the primary care veterinarian. However, many complex or chronic eye diseases require the precision, specialized equipment, and deep knowledge of a veterinary ophthalmologist.
A Board-certified specialist has the training to differentiate between similar-looking conditions, such as distinguishing a nuclear sclerosis (normal aging) from a true cataract, or a chronic uveitis (internal inflammation) from an infection. This accurate diagnosis is the foundation of an effective treatment plan.
Furthermore, the equipment used at VEI Upland is highly specialized. They use tools like slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and electroretinography (ERG) to assess the eye's internal structures and function—tools not typically found in a general practice. This allows for the most detailed and precise assessment of your pet's vision health.
For pet owners in the Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, and greater San Bernardino County areas, the Veterinary Eye Institute provides a local, expert resource. Their focus on advanced, compassionate care ensures that whether your companion is a dog, cat, or a unique exotic pet, they receive the highest standard of ophthalmic treatment available today.
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