Why was I referred to an
ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist has advanced training and equipment for complicated
diseases of the eye. For these same reasons, your family doctor would refer
you to an ophthalmologist if you had a serious ocular disease.
(Back
to Top) |
|
What is a veterinary
ophthalmologist?
A veterinary ophthalmologist is trained an additional 3 years beyond 4
years in veterinary school. This specialized training is called a
residency, which is supervised by other board-certified ophthalmologists.
In addition to residency training, Dr. da Costa completed ophthalmology
programs at Stanford Medical School and University of Florida Veterinary
School.
(Back
to Top) |
|
Where did Dr. da Costa do his
training?
Dr. da Costa graduated with a B.S. in Physics with Honors at the University
of Arkansas where he published on biomechanics of dog knees. He graduated
from veterinary school at LSU in Baton Rouge where he published on feline
heartworm disease and on diseases of taurine deficiency, which can cause
retinal disease. He did emergency practice in Florida for 2 years with a
group of specialists before his ophthalmology residency. Residency training
was done in Arizona with the Eye Clinic for Animals, a.k.a. Eye Care for
Animals, which is currently the largest veterinary ophthalmology residency
program in the nation. Since residency training, Dr. da Costa has published
on cataracts and glaucoma shunt surgery.
(Back
to Top) |
|
How long does an appointment
take?
Appointments can last 15 minutes to more than two hours. Unexpected delays
can occur due to emergencies, emergent phone consultations to other
veterinarians, uncooperative patients, and slow-dilating pupils during an exam. Dr. da Costa makes
every effort to remain on schedule. He is often the only board-certified
veterinary ophthalmologist in Louisiana, a state that has kept four
ophthalmologists busy in years past. The Eye Center for Animals sincerely
apologizes in advance for any delays. We know that your time is valuable;
please ask for drop-off examinations (rechecks only) if it would be more convenient. Dr. da Costa also apologizes if he seems rushed during your appointment; he
attempts to remain focused and efficient. Regularly working 12-hour days
has not afforded time to visit with clients as he once enjoyed with a
lighter caseload.
(Back
to Top) |
|
Why is microsurgery expensive?
Microsurgical equipment and training is very expensive as in human surgery.
The fees at the Eye Center for Animals are competitive throughout the
nation.
(Back
to Top) |
|
What would happen if electrical power were lost during surgery on my pet?
The Eye Center for Animals invested in an automatic emergency
power generator that instantaneously turns on with loss of electrical power
to safeguard our patients during surgery. In addition, in the event of
unlikely equipment failure, we have redundant equipment that includes pulse-oximetry/electrocardiogram
monitors, anesthesia machines, operating microscopes, and cataract machines.
(Back
to Top) |
|
What should I do if
there is an emergency?
First call the Eye Center for Animals locally at (504) 483-8704 or toll-free
at (888) 374-3937. If the office is closed, you will be directed to call a
different number to leave a message with your name, number and a brief
message. Dr. da Costa will be paged for a return call as soon as possible.
He makes every effort in returning emergency pages within 30 minutes. He
carries a nation-wide pager, and while out of town and on vacation he keeps
copies of all medical records on a laptop computer. If you feel that you
cannot wait for his return call, please go to your regular veterinarian or
local emergency veterinary clinic.
(Back
to Top) |
|
Will
Dr. da Costa communicate with my regular veterinarian?
Yes. Usually within 30 minutes of you leaving the Eye Center for Animals, a
copy of your pet’s record is faxed to your regular veterinarian. If direct
communication is needed, he will call your veterinarian to discuss the
case. We make an effort to coordinate total veterinary care with your
regular veterinarian for the best possible outcome. That is why you may be
asked to have your veterinarian do further diagnostics or treatment
regarding potential systemic disease affecting not only the eyes but also
the rest of the body.
(Back
to Top) |
