In a remarkable display of veterinary expertise, Dr. Gladys Boo, a board-certified animal ophthalmologist in Singapore, is making waves in the world of veterinary medicine with her groundbreaking work in restoring sight to a diverse array of animals—from beloved pets like dogs and cats to exotic creatures such as eagles and even a lion cub!

A Day in the Life of an Animal Ophthalmologist

On an ordinary Tuesday morning, Dr. Boo finds herself donned in surgical scrubs, ready for her second cataract surgery of the day. This gray dachshund who is 15 years old was anesthetized and prepped for the intricate procedure in her clinic, The Eye Specialist for Animals. Dr. Boo’s meticulous technique involves making precision incisions while expertly operating machinery that breaks up the cloudy lens of the eye, all while maintaining complete focus—she even times her breathing to keep her hands steady!

As one of only two board-certified animal ophthalmologists in Singapore, Dr. Boo handles critical eye emergencies daily, including issues like ruptured eye lenses and severe glaucoma. Recently, she saved a 13-year-old Jack Russell from losing sight completely. After removing the dog’s already compromised eye, she expertly controlled the pressure in the dog’s remaining eye, ensuring it would keep its vision.

Inspiring Transformations

Among her most heartwarming cases is Lago, a red macaw born with inherited cataracts. After being abandoned not once but twice, Lago was brought to Dr. Boo completely blind. Following a successful cataract surgery in 2022, Lago regained vision, allowing him to forge a deep bond with his new owner. During a routine check-up, Lago now freely perches on his owner’s shoulder, symbolizing hope and companionship as they prepare to start a new life together in the Czech Republic.

Dr. Boo also collaborates with Bird Paradise, where she treats a variety of birds, including penguins, hawks, and toucans. Her dedication extends beyond traditional pets; she has even treated exotic patients like tigers, horses, and lizards.

Recognizing Common Eye Emergencies

Dr. Boo emphasizes that many eye conditions in pets, such as cataracts, often have genetic origins and can develop at an early age. While most owners associate cataracts with aging, they are much more common in young pets, with the youngest dog treated by Dr. Boo for this condition being only one year old. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

In addition to cataracts, conditions such as glaucoma—which can be mistaken for normal aging—are frequently overlooked by pet owners. Many fail to recognize the warning signs, which can include unusual lethargy or slight tearing. Dr. Boo warns that untreated glaucoma can lead to extreme pain and permanent vision loss.

Another eye emergency commonly seen by Dr. Boo is the ruptured eyeball, resulting from accidents or fights. In a heartbreaking instance, a Shih Tzu suffered severe trauma during a dog fight, leading to emergency surgery not only to save the eye but also to eventually remove a cataract as a secondary consequence.

Driven by Passion and Service

Balancing her demanding career and family life is no small feat for Dr. Boo, a devoted mother of three young children. She often finds herself scheduling surgeries late into the evening, sacrificing family time to save eyes. Nonetheless, Dr. Boo views her calling as an honor. With over a decade of rigorous training, her commitment to animals is evident; she even invented a medical device for treating canine corneal degeneration, showcasing her dedication and innovation in veterinary medicine.

Her inspirational journey reflects her passion as she continuously strives to bring the joy of vision back to her animal patients. “When pets look at you, they’re truly trying to connect,” she states, reminding us of the powerful bond shared between pets and their owners.

In Conclusion

Dr. Gladys Boo is not just an eye doctor; she’s transforming lives, one pair of eyes at a time. Through her meticulous care, skill, and dedication to her field, she is ensuring that animals of all kinds can enjoy the beauty of the world around them, reminding us all of the profound connection we share with our pets.