Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we are evaluating lots of cases by telephone before arranging an appointment or dispensing medications. We are commonly asked about sore eyes and often ask you to send us a photo. Here are some top tips from the eye specialists at Bristol Vet School:

– Ask someone to help! It can be much easy if another person holds your pet to prevent wriggling.

– Open your pet’s eyelids gently with your fingers

– Take the photos in the dark – turn off the lights and draw the curtains to prevent reflections on the surface of the eye

– Guide the focus point of the camera to the eye. Many phone cameras will automatically focus on the object closest to the screen but some need encouragement by touching the screen in the location you want it to focus on (the eye)

– Take several photos. You can even take a video in the same dark conditions but with the flash on continuously

– Take photos of both eyes even if the problem is just in one. It can help us pick up subtle changes if we can compare the two

– Get your pet’s attention by calling their name, making a squeaky noise or asking a third person to stand behind you with a toy or treat. Your pet should be looking into the camera when you take the photo

You can email photos to info@hollybankvets.co.uk or call us for our whatsapp number