Eye Care for Animals (ECFA) was founded in 1981 by Reuben E. Merideth, DVM, DACVO, the same year he received his Diplomate status. ECFAs first practice was in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Merideth immediately saw the need for veterinary ophthalmology services in other markets which resulted in the opening of two more practices in Mesa, AZ and Overland Park, KS.
In 1995, Dr. Merideth partnered with Paul Barrett, DVM, DACVO, who was practicing with Nicole MacLaren, DVM, DACVO, in Salt Lake City, UT with a satellite clinic in Sunset, UT.
In 1995, Dr. Merideth partnered with Paul Barrett, DVM, DACVO, who was practicing with Nicole MacLaren, DVM, DACVO, in Salt Lake City, UT with a satellite clinic in Sunset, UT.
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If you should ever have a question or concern regarding your pet's ocular health, we can be reached at any time by calling our location nearest you. The subpalpebral lavage system is used to deliver medication to the horse's eye safely, easily and efficiently. The system is made from flexible tubing, which is passed through the upper or lower eyelid into the conjunctival cul-de-sac (the space located between the eyelid and the eye).
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus is commonly found in the river valleys of Tennessee, St. Lawrence, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri, as well as, the southern Mid-Atlantic States. Exposure to this organism usually occurs within areas close to water ways and in areas where the ground has recently been disturbed.
Pets sometimes get themselves into emergency situations. At Eye Care for Animals we understand this and that is why we have a doctor on-call 24/7 for each of our locations. Dial our direct office phone number and you will be instructed as to how to contact our on-call doctor. At Eye Care for Animals our main concern is your pet's eye health and care.
If you should ever have a question or concern regarding your pet's ocular health, we can be reached at any time by calling our location nearest you. If you are calling outside of regular business hours, our voice mail system will have an option for you to page the on-call doctor. The doctor is notified and will return your call within 15 minutes.
Reviews (25)
Janice Morris
May 20, 2023
Michael Gaspar
Jan 14, 2023
Jacob Ramos
Nov 11, 2022
We recently visited with our 10 year old JRT, that had been dealing with a corneal ulcer for about 6 weeks. We were referred by our Vet & Eye Care for Animals & Dr Lim were amazing! We let them know our guy was not the easiest & he suffered from fear aggression. They made it simple & without stress for both him & I. I would highly recommend their services!
Patricia Gray
Jun 06, 2022
Diane Bykowski
May 18, 2022
Diana Clarkson
Apr 21, 2022
Charlotte
Apr 09, 2022
Carol Lute
Jul 22, 2021
This is the 3rd time I've had to have eye surgery on my cats. Dr Urbanz is so knowledgeable, yet relaxed and friendly. Tries to save you money by recommending Good RX for prescriptions. Her assistants are always kind, empathetic and friendly. I've in Gilbert but drive all the way out there for the best care.
Noelia N.
Apr 15, 2021
Thanks to Dr. Urbanz my dog has recovered some vision in her eye. Although she will require eye medication for the rest of her life, I am so pleased with how much better her eye is looking. She took the time to explain everything I needed to know. As someone who works in the vet field already, I do have some high expectations. & this place met them.
Everyone here was really nice & helpful. Also I would like to say thank you to Tanya, who was the technician and took well care of molly and was sweet to her. Thank you to everyone, from another member in the vet field!
Everyone here was really nice & helpful. Also I would like to say thank you to Tanya, who was the technician and took well care of molly and was sweet to her. Thank you to everyone, from another member in the vet field!
Wendell Campbell
Dec 11, 2020
G. P.
Oct 14, 2020
Meredith D.
Oct 12, 2020
I cannot recommend Dr. Urbanz and the staff at Eye Care for Animals enough. My poor cat, Jade couldn't even open her eye. Multiple vets did not seem to know how exactly to treat Jade, but thankfully I was referred to Dr. Urbanz. Dr. Urbanz tried going less invasive having us do an intense eye drop and oral medication regimen, but nonetheless my cat needed surgery. Dr. Urbanz and her staff saved my cat's eye.
I couldn't be more grateful. My cat can now open both eyes without any issue and often her eye looks completely normal- something we hadn't seen since she was a kitten. I absolutely recommend eye care for animals! Thank you so much for your excellent care!
I couldn't be more grateful. My cat can now open both eyes without any issue and often her eye looks completely normal- something we hadn't seen since she was a kitten. I absolutely recommend eye care for animals! Thank you so much for your excellent care!
Sandra L.
Sep 25, 2020
Bruce K.
Mar 03, 2020
I was there about two years ago to have Dr. Urbanz examine my cattle dog Abby thinking that she might have cataracts. As it turned out she had Lenticular Sclerosis and there was nothing to do as it only affected her Depth perception. As I remember I was not very pleased with the front office staff as they seemed hurried and presented the attitude that they just wanted their part of helping you over.
However Dr. Urbanz overshadowed this. Recently I adopted a 2 year old Boxer that has lost most if not all of her vision. I was told it was from Tick Fever. I called Dr. Urbanz again and the person on the phone was rude and seemed hurried as last time. Instead of speaking with me she almost immediately banged me over to voice mail. I did leave one and after a week of no reply I decided to go to Eye Shine instead. Their reviews are just as good but their front office staff is kinder and seems much more professional about answering questions and Scheduling
However Dr. Urbanz overshadowed this. Recently I adopted a 2 year old Boxer that has lost most if not all of her vision. I was told it was from Tick Fever. I called Dr. Urbanz again and the person on the phone was rude and seemed hurried as last time. Instead of speaking with me she almost immediately banged me over to voice mail. I did leave one and after a week of no reply I decided to go to Eye Shine instead. Their reviews are just as good but their front office staff is kinder and seems much more professional about answering questions and Scheduling
Lisa W.
Jan 10, 2020
We took our long hair chihuahua to Dr Urbanz for corneal ulcers. We had to wait a few weeks to get in. We also waited 35-40 minutes after our appointment time to see the veterinarian. It was well worth the wait. Dr Urbanz was kind, considerate and caring with our baby. She set us up with a treatment plan and explained everything fully. I left knowing I did the best for my girl. Thank you dr Urbanz and your staff. Well done
Ryan H.
Dec 18, 2018
If I could leave zero stars I would. They had him in surgery for entropion, he woke up because they didn't give him enough of the drug to keep him sedated and he woke up right before they put him under the knife. They wouldn't perform the surgery because he "tried to bit the vet." Of course he did! He doesn't know anyone there, you have a catheter in him, and he was scared! It's your fault for skimping on sedatives.
They wouldn't take the catheter out either, which had to be removed when he was back home. There were no apologies or any remorse from the vet or vet techs. I've been to other Eye Care of Animals in Phoenix, which have been great. This was the first time at the Scottsdale location, because they had availability sooner than the others, and his entropion couldn't wait. I'd advice everyone to stay away from this location!
They wouldn't take the catheter out either, which had to be removed when he was back home. There were no apologies or any remorse from the vet or vet techs. I've been to other Eye Care of Animals in Phoenix, which have been great. This was the first time at the Scottsdale location, because they had availability sooner than the others, and his entropion couldn't wait. I'd advice everyone to stay away from this location!
Lisa Repman
Nov 03, 2018
Dorothy J.
Oct 02, 2018
After seeing 3 vets for my little rescue pup with only guesses of what was wrong with his eye, I was referred to Dr. Joanna Norman. She identified the cause of all the drainage and goop surrounding both eyes immediately. She unfortunately couldn't save his sight in his left eye, but she prescribed drops that immediately made Buster feel better and the troubled eye look more normal. He is compensating with his impaired vision very well and already - NO MORE GOOPY EYES! Thank you Dr. Norman. You're fantastic!
Lovie S.
Apr 27, 2018
Cannot say enough GREAT THINGS! Dr. Urbanz & staff are the best! Kept my dog seeing clearly as long as she could! So kind, smart, & get things done! Love them & appreciate all of the Love they gave my Dog for many years! So cool that they take care of all pets, wildlife, not sure what they don't see! Just wish they saw Humans too!
Susan F.
Oct 03, 2017
After a variety of methods failed to heal an indolent corneal ulcer on our 13-year-old Italian Greyhound, our veterinarian referred us to Dr. Urbanz at Eye Care for Animals. The doctor saw Kismet immediately and recommended surgery, which was performed the following morning. We were naturally concerned about both the surgery and the healing process on our old pal.
It was not a smooth ride, but Dr. Urbanz was there every step of the way. She coordinated Kismet's post-surgery care with our regular veterinarian, examined him closely for improvement, communicated easily and compassionately with my husband and me. Dr. Urbanz's staff members were also consistently friendly, professional and helpful. After a four-week healing period, Kismet is better than ever!
He sees well and clearly feels so much better absent the pain of the ulcer. Veterinary specialists are an important part of full-spectrum veterinary care, and we recommend Dr. Urbanz highly for canine eye conditions that fall outside the scope of a generalist.
It was not a smooth ride, but Dr. Urbanz was there every step of the way. She coordinated Kismet's post-surgery care with our regular veterinarian, examined him closely for improvement, communicated easily and compassionately with my husband and me. Dr. Urbanz's staff members were also consistently friendly, professional and helpful. After a four-week healing period, Kismet is better than ever!
He sees well and clearly feels so much better absent the pain of the ulcer. Veterinary specialists are an important part of full-spectrum veterinary care, and we recommend Dr. Urbanz highly for canine eye conditions that fall outside the scope of a generalist.
Maggie W.
Feb 01, 2017
Dr Urbanz and her staff have given our 15 1/2 yr old shihtzu a 2nd chance at a quality continued life. Dr Urbanz saved her sight in one of her eyes after she developed corneal ulcers requiring a graph procedure. Being 15 1/2 we were concerned about her surviving the more complicated graph procedure again when the ulcer in her other eye ruptured, so we opted for atleast giving her a chance by having the 2nd eye removed.
She has had a miraculous recovery and is enjoying life to the fullest every day. We are very grateful to Dr Urbanz, and her staff, for all of their assistance through this incredibly long, difficult journey.
She has had a miraculous recovery and is enjoying life to the fullest every day. We are very grateful to Dr Urbanz, and her staff, for all of their assistance through this incredibly long, difficult journey.
Bliss P.
Nov 14, 2016
Dr Urbanz is amazing. My Boston Terrior has cataracts and another doctor told me to just let her go blind. I just made a desperate call to the clinic and asked isn't there anything we can do. Dr. Urbanz called me back and was really informative and spent several minutes giving me a full explanation of my dogs condition and a future plan. I felt like she really cared about my dog even though we never even met. Thanks so much!
Gayle S.
Oct 06, 2015
I was disappointed that a vet ophthalmologist did not know that there is a connection with valley fever and cataracts/cloudiness in the eyes. I read it myself online and the dr did not recommend any alternative to $5000 cataract surgery. Our vet came up with a solution to clear up our dogs eyes with calcium medicine.
Shelby S.
Jul 23, 2015
I have to give Dr. Urbanz and her team five stars, despite the steep prices. I paid $1700 for a cherry eye repair, a procedure that takes 30 minutes. Before taking him to Eye Care for Animals in North Scottsdale, I called around and neighboring clinics were a tad bit cheaper averaging $1000. But the care Fischer received before and after surgery, the professionalism of the team and the ease I felt it was absolutely worth it.
After lots of research and referrals to Dr. Urbanz I made him an appointment. Connie, the front office assistant was so incredibly nice on the phone and was able to schedule our consultation appointment the same week I called and then his surgery the following week. The procedure could have been done sooner had Dr. Urbanz not been out of town. So the time frame was great!
The initial consultation was very professional and received a multitude of tests to determine the current health of his eye while getting full explanations of the results along the way. A resident vet student was working alongside Dr. Urbanz and was able to learn and examine his eye! That always excites me! They both discussed the options and expressed what they believed to be best! Scheduled his surgery for the following week. Dropped him off at 7:30 in the morning, received a phone call at 12:30 informing me Fischer was out of surgery and doing great and would be ready to get picked up at 3:45.
The pick up was very informative and done by the vet tech and Dr. Urbanz. Previously working in vet clinic, I was really impressed that Dr. Urbanz took the time to discharge Fischer and I never felt rushed despite her busy day. He is recovering well and managing to move around in his cone of shame : Definitely recommend and thank you to the Urbanz team at the Eye Care For Animals North Scottsdale!
After lots of research and referrals to Dr. Urbanz I made him an appointment. Connie, the front office assistant was so incredibly nice on the phone and was able to schedule our consultation appointment the same week I called and then his surgery the following week. The procedure could have been done sooner had Dr. Urbanz not been out of town. So the time frame was great!
The initial consultation was very professional and received a multitude of tests to determine the current health of his eye while getting full explanations of the results along the way. A resident vet student was working alongside Dr. Urbanz and was able to learn and examine his eye! That always excites me! They both discussed the options and expressed what they believed to be best! Scheduled his surgery for the following week. Dropped him off at 7:30 in the morning, received a phone call at 12:30 informing me Fischer was out of surgery and doing great and would be ready to get picked up at 3:45.
The pick up was very informative and done by the vet tech and Dr. Urbanz. Previously working in vet clinic, I was really impressed that Dr. Urbanz took the time to discharge Fischer and I never felt rushed despite her busy day. He is recovering well and managing to move around in his cone of shame : Definitely recommend and thank you to the Urbanz team at the Eye Care For Animals North Scottsdale!
Linda S.
Dec 28, 2013
We had an excellent experience with our Schnauzer Buddy who suddenly went blind due to cataracts. They got us in right away and eased our concerns that very day. Dr. Urbanz did a fabulous job with explaining our options and we choose to have cataract surgery replacing his lenses. He now sees and is back to being our playful little Schnauzer! All the staff was very friendly and showed great care in treating him before and after the surgery. Yes, very expensive, but I researched the charges and they were exactly what most speciality vets charge for the surgery around the country comparable to what we paid. I highly recommend them as caring and they did an excellent job with the surgery and recovery period.