At Bulger Veterinary Hospital and Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we are deeply committed to advancing the standards of veterinary eye care, because clear vision plays a vital role in your pet’s quality of life.

Recently, our ophthalmology teams from both hospitals came together for an in-service training focused on a next-generation phacoemulsification (phaco) unit, the newest technology used to remove cataracts and help restore vision in both people and animals. The equipment purchased and training were provided by Bausch + Lomb, alongside our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, Dr. Clode, Dr. Cassotis, and Dr. Tipling and our experienced ophthalmology support staff.

This collaborative training ensures that when your pet needs cataract surgery, they benefit not only from expert clinicians, but also from the most current technology and refined surgical techniques available.

What Is a Cataract, and How Does It Affect My Pet?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. In dogs especially, cataracts can progress quickly and may lead to:

• Blurry or reduced vision

• Difficulty navigating familiar spaces

• Hesitation on stairs or in low light

• Bumping into objects

• In advanced cases, complete vision loss

Cataracts can develop for many reasons, including genetics, diabetes, aging, or eye trauma. The good news is that cataract surgery is often highly successful, particularly when diagnosed and treated early.

What Is Phacoemulsification (Phaco) Surgery?

Cataracts are removed via Phacoemulsification, often called “phaco.” This is the gold standard technique for cataract removal in both human and veterinary medicine.

In simple terms, ultrasonic energy is used to break up/emulsify the cloudy lens contents inside the eye. Those tiny fragments are then carefully removed, involving a balance between suctioning these emulsified fragments and fluid delivery. This delicate dance prevents the collapse of the eye. The most advanced machines monitor changes within the eye, allowing the surgeon to more reliably restore a clear visual pathway without complications.

Once the cataract is fully removed, an artificial lens / corrective lens can be placed to help return functional vision.

The result? For many pets, restored sight, confidence, and quality of life.

Why This New Phaco Unit Matters

Technology in veterinary medicine continues to evolve alongside advances in human cataract surgery, and this next generation phaco unit represents a meaningful advancement in how cataract surgery is performed.

Key benefits for patients include:

• Greater precision

  during surgery

• Enhanced control

  for the surgeon

• Efficient removal

  of the cataract

• Gentle handling of delicate eye structures

While the technology itself is impressive, what matters most is how it’s used—and that’s where training and experience come in.

A Team-Based Approach to Advanced Eye Care

During this recent in-service, ophthalmology teams from both Bulger and Port City worked side-by-side with the Bausch + Lomb representative, reviewing best practices, refining surgical workflows, and gaining hands-on experience with the new equipment.

This kind of training allows our teams to:

• Stay current with the latest advancements in ophthalmic care

• Align surgical techniques across hospitals

• Strengthening collaboration between doctors and technicians

• Ensure consistent, high-quality care for every patient

For pet owners, this means confidence—knowing your pet is being treated by a team that is continually learning, improving, and investing in excellence.

What This Means for Pet Owners

If your pet has been diagnosed with cataracts AND your pet is deemed a candidate for surgery, this advancement means:

• Access to

  cutting-edge cataract surgery technology

• Care delivered by

  collaborative veterinary ophthalmologists

• A highly trained support team focused on comfort, safety, and outcomes

• Thoughtful, compassionate guidance throughout the process

Our goal is always to help pets see the world more clearly, and to help families feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Learn More or Schedule a Consultation

If you have questions about cataracts, vision changes, or whether your pet may be a candidate for surgery, our ophthalmology teams at Bulger Veterinary Hospital and Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital are here to help.

We’re proud to invest in advanced technology, ongoing training, and collaborative care, because your pet’s vision deserves nothing less.

Visit Ophthalmology | Bulger Veterinary Hospital for more information on Bulger’s Ophthalmology service.

Visit Ophthalmology | Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital for more information on Port City’s Ophthalmology service.