Is Glaucoma Always Off-Key? — Sharp IOPs Creating Dissonant Vision‑Saving Notes, and When to Change the Tune in Geriatric Patients

1.0 CE Credit Hour / Kenneth Pierce, DVM, MS, DACVO

Kenneth Pierce, DVM, MS, DACVO

Kenneth Pierce, DVM, MS, DACVO

Dr. Kenneth Pierce is a native New Orleanian. He received his undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine and then traveled to Southern California to complete a specialty ophthalmology internship with Eye Care for Animals and B. Braun, Inc. He then completed a four-year comparative ophthalmology residency with a Master’s degree at Michigan State University. Dr. Pierce started as an Associate Professor at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine and then transitioned to private practice at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, NJ, Veterinary Eye Institute, in Plano, TX, and then started his own business, Veterinary Vision Center, in Shreveport, LA. After experiencing and working in an underserved area with limited access to veterinary specialty care, Dr. Pierce started VESPECON (vespecon.com), a veterinary specialist to primary veterinarian advisory support, concierge referral service, and more!  As you can see, Dr. Pierce has lived in every region of the United States and has gained valuable experience to educate and empower the veterinary community.

Overview:

Glaucoma in older pets presents unique challenges and can rapidly compromise vision if not recognized and managed effectively. This session focuses on the evaluation and management of geriatric glaucoma, exploring strategies to preserve vision, alleviate pain, and optimize quality of life. Attendees will learn to differentiate glaucoma from other ocular conditions in senior patients, interpret diagnostic findings, and implement medical and surgical interventions tailored to the geriatric patient. Real-world cases will highlight decision-making and practical tips for improving outcomes in these complex patients.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify clinical signs and diagnostic findings of glaucoma in geriatric patients.
  • Differentiate glaucoma from other ocular diseases commonly seen in older pets.
  • Analyze diagnostic test results to guide timely and appropriate management decisions.
  • Formulate medical and surgical treatment plans tailored to senior patients with glaucoma.
  • Implement strategies to preserve vision, reduce pain, and optimize quality of life in geriatric patients.


            This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.