Ophthalmology Department

A veterinary ophthalmologist specializes in diseases that may affect your pet’s eye and their vision. In order to become a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, a veterinarian typically will complete an internship program followed by a residency, which results in a total of 8 to 10 years of post-college medical education. After completion of an ophthalmology residency, the candidate must then pass a rigorous 3-day, 5-part examination in order to become board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. This process is very similar to the pathway that human medical doctors take to become board certified.

Some eye conditions can often be managed by your pet’s primary care veterinarian. However, many eye diseases require the attention of an ophthalmologist for advanced medical and surgical treatment.

Dr. Dorbandt is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist with extensive training in both medical and surgical ophthalmology. This provides him the opportunity to pursue his professional goal of preserving and restoring vision in animals. He also has a special interest in ocular oncology and has published research on innovative diagnostic techniques (3D printing) as well as novel treatment strategies.

Originally from Louisiana, he obtained his veterinary degree from Louisiana State University in 2011, after which, he pursued advanced training at Virginia Tech and the University of Georgia. His residency training and Master of Science degree were completed in 2016 at the University of Illinois, where he was awarded the prestigious Resident Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Dorbandt carries this honor beyond the education of veterinary students by striving to educate families about the condition(s) that are affecting their pet’s eye so that the best choices can be made regarding their care.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-  Veterinary School, Louisiana State University, 2011
-  Internship, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 2012
-  Ophthalmology Internship, University of Georgia, 2013
-  Ophthalmology Residency, University of Illinois, 2016
-  Master of Science Degree, University of Illinois, 2016
-  Board Certification, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, 2016

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Click to see all of Dr. Dorbandt's publications

The initial consultation typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes measurement of tear production, assessment for corneal ulcers, evaluation of eye pressure, and a comprehensive examination of the entire eye. After the evaluation, the ophthalmologist will discuss your pet’s condition, treatment options, and, if needed, any additional recommended testing. By the end of the business day, your primary care veterinarian will be updated in order to assure that there is continuity of care.

If a non-emergent surgical procedure is needed, it will be scheduled for a later date, and, in most instances, your pet can go home that same day.

Since unforeseen eye emergencies do occur, we are also available for emergency consultations that same day and on nights and weekends, but emergency evaluations do result in additional fees.