Course Overview
Integrative Veterinary Ophthalmology (small animal) is a 40-CE-hour RACE approved course (25 for the conventional portion, 15 for the TCVM portion). The primary objective of this course in veterinary ophthalmology is to improve the ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical skills of veterinary practitioners in order that they can provide higher levels of care to animals with eye problems. This will begin with a review of ophthalmic terminology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the animal eye. Basic and advanced ophthalmic examination and diagnostic techniques of animals, and the diagnosis and treatment of common ophthalmic disorders of animals will be covered in detail. Discussions on how to perform basic and advanced ophthalmic diagnostic procedures will be taught.
Students may choose to take either the Conventional Ophthalmology, the TCVM Ophthalmology, or both courses.
Course Objectives
This is an online distance learning course and is intended for small animal practitioners. Students will learn to evaluate and diagnose ophthalmology patients and understand how to diagnose and treat the following disorders using an integrative approach: uveitis, ulcers, corneal disease, glaucoma and cataracts.
Integrative Approach to Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animals
Taught in English
For veterinarians & veterinary students only
Up to 40 RACE-approved CE hours
Curriculum
Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animal - Western Approach
Examination of the Animal Eye
3h
Diagnosis and Treatment of Orbit Disease
1h
Conjunctive and Nictitating Membrane
1h
Disorders of the Eyelids
1h
Lacrimal System
1h
Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment of Superficial Ulcers
2h
Deep Corneal Ulcers
2h
The Uvea
2h
The Glaucoma
2h
Diseases and Surgery of the Lens
2h
Funduscopic Exam of SA Retina and Optic Nerve
2h
Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Diseases in SA
2h
Feline Ophthalmology
2h
Exotic Animal Ophthalmology
2h
Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animal - TCVM Approach
Course Overview and Introduction
5min
TCVM Ophthalmology - Fundamental Principles
1h
Overview of the TCVM Eyes
1h
Five Spheres and Eight Boundaries
1h
More TCVM Diagnosis and Acupuncture Treatment of Eye Disorders
1h
Essential Teachings of the Six Channels on TCM Ophthalmology
1h
TCVM Ocular Pathophysiology, and Acupuncture and Herbal Treatments
1h
A TCVM Approach to KCS (Dry Eyes) in Dogs and Cats
1h
A TCVM Approach to KCS (Dry Eyes): Case studies
1h
A TCVM Approach to Corneal Ulcers in Dogs and cats
1h
A TCVM Approach to Uveitis in Dogs
1h
A TCVM Approach to Glaucoma and Cataracts in dogs
1h
TCVM for the treatment of Herpesvirus, Pannus, Tear Stains, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Eyelid Paralysis
1h
TCVM for the treatment of Blepharitis, Hordeolum, Blepharoptosis, Epiphora & Entropion
1h
TCVM for the treatment of Cherry Eye, Conjunctivitis, Keratitis
1h
CVM treatment of Sudden Blindness/Cortical Blindness
1h
Instructors
Dennis Brooks
DVM, PhD, DACV (Ophthalmology)
Dennis E. Brooks DVM, PhD passed the certifying examination of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1984. Dr. Brooks received a PhD in 1987 from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Brooks has been a scientist and clinician in academia, and is a Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida. He was the President of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists from 1997-1998.
Dr. Brooks has written over 170 academic scientific publications, 76 book chapters, received $2.3 million in research grants, and has given over 300 lectures both nationally and internationally in comparative ophthalmology. His book, Equine Ophthalmology, was published in 2002 and again in 2008. His book, Small Animal Ophthalmology, was published in 2011. He received the British Equine Veterinary Association’s Sir Frederick Smith Memorial Lecture and Medal Recipient in 2007, and received the Frank J. Milne State of the Art Award of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in 2010. Dr. Brooks has extensive experience in amnion grafting, corneal transplantation and cataract surgeries of the horse.
Huisheng Xie
DVM, PhD
Dr. Xie has 42 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience in veterinary acupuncture and TCVM. He has trained over 11,000 veterinarians to practice TCVM worldwide. Dr. Xie’s education includes advanced training in veterinary medicine, veterinary acupuncture, and human acupuncture. Dr. Xie has authored 20 books and over 100 peer-reviewed papers. His textbooks, including Xie’s Veterinary Herbology, Xie’s Veterinary Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine-Fundamental Principles, have been used for TCVM training programs around the world. Dr. Xie continues to teach and develop educational courses and programs at Chi University, serves as a full clinical professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and is an honorary professor at China Agricultural University, South China Agricultural University, and China Southwest University.
Read moreHanwen Cheng
DVM, MS, CVA, CVMMP, CVTP, CVCH, CVFT, CTPEP, CCRV
Dr. Hanwen Cheng practices in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He received his DVM degree from National Chia Yi University. Dr. Cheng is the President of The Chinese Society of Traditional Veterinary Science, and the Vice Chairman of the Fourth Members Conference of Asian Society of Traditional Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Cheng has been invited to speak by different veterinary medical associations, including the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, the Chinese Society of Traditional Veterinary Science, Chi University, and other various universities. Dr. Cheng received the Taiwan Outstanding Veterinarian Award by National Veterinary Festival in 1999 and was recognized as one of the Top Ten International TCVM Practitioners by Global Sun Samiao in 2012.
Enrollment Options
Semester
2025
Schedule & Tuition
Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animal - Western Approach
Online
Nov 20, 2025 - Mar 20, 2026
$750.00
Chronic Eye Disorders in Small Animal - TCVM Approach
Online
Nov 20, 2025 - Mar 20, 2026
$550.00
Payment Information
A $100.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.
Payment is due 30 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.
Discounts
Register for Both Small Animal Ophthalmology Courses
-$200.00
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I get access to the online course?
You will get 4 months of access to this online course. The course can be accessed through our learning portal.