Dr. Mathes: I learned about the specialty of veterinary ophthalmology and dog cataract surgery in veterinary school (at Purdue) when a patient there, Roxie, had her cataracts removed.  Roxie had been blind for a year and woke up from surgery able to see again.  I decided then that pet cataract surgery was my calling.  It was so special to see Roxie recognize her mom and carry her toys around again.

Q. What training did you need to be a veterinary ophthalmologist?

Dr. Mathes: I got my undergraduate degree in Biology at Franklin College, just south of Indianapolis.  After veterinary school, I completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Georgia, where I learned to do animal eye surgery and treat animal eye conditions.

Q. What’s your favorite part of being a veterinary ophthalmologist?

Dr. Mathes: I’d say my favorite part is seeing the change in my patients from the first time I meet them to after they’ve had treatment.  They typically come in with blinking, rubbing their eyes or just not confident because they can’t see very well.  After treatment, they are usually so happy!  Just running up to the treat jar and curious about everything they see.

Q. Why did you start Animal Eye Clinic?

Dr. Mathes: Besides my obsession with pet eyes and vision, I absolutely love watching how special pets are to people.  I feel that every day, I get to be a part of a special bond unlike any other.  I wanted to create a clinic that made pets and people feel warm and happy, kind of like that bond.

Q. What else do you like to do?

Dr. Mathes: I’m a big Indianapolis Colts fan…I even have season tickets.  I’m also into red wine, Starbucks and fitness.  I have to work off the wine, after all.  That’s one of the reasons I love Carmel so much, I can combine a lot of my favorite hobbies.

Q. What about a detailed biography?
Dr. Mathes has earned numerous awards, recognition’s and has written many articles on veterinary ophthalmology that are included in her biography.  View a detailed biography of Dr. Mathes.