BluePearl Pet Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
Ophthalmology

Emergency and Specialty
Emergency:
Mon-Sun: 7 am-Midnight
Specialty:
Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm

Pet ophthalmology by BluePearl.

Advanced vision and eye care to help your pet live a better, more comfortable life.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary ophthalmology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye, and we’re here to help.

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A veterinary ophthalmologist examines a pug

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has an eye condition, you’ll have an entire ophthalmology team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Cataracts
  • Cornea injuries
  • Retinal disease
  • Dry eye
  • Eyelid and eyelash injuries or abnormalities
  • Glaucoma
  • Inflammation and conjunctivitis
  • Third eyelid, or cherry eye

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Electroretinography
  • Fluorescein stain
  • Indirect ophthalmoscopy
  • Tear testing
  • Tonometry
  • Gonioscopy
  • Ocular and orbital imaging
  • Slit-lamp exams

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our ophthalmology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive care options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Cataract surgery
  • Cherry eye repair
  • Glaucoma surgery
  • Orbital surgery
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Dry eye therapy

Our board certified specialists and ophthalmology team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our ophthalmology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Gwen Sila

DVM, DACVO
Board Certified in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology
On the job

Dr. Gwen Sila is particularly interested in corneal disease, glaucoma, and cataract surgery.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
  • Residency, Ophthalmology, Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Southfield
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Southfield
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
  • Bachelor of Arts, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI
Off duty

Dr. Sila loves being outside and traveling and hiking through remote areas. She’s a longtime casual runner and also enjoys cooking and baking. She and her husband have a very active border collie and Australian shepherd and an even more active young son.

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the ophthalmologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.