Pet Ophthalmology
At PETS Referral Center, our dedicated team of veterinary ophthalmologists specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions affecting pets.
Pet Ophthalmology in Berkeley, California
At PETS Referral Center, we understand that your pets are not just animals; they’re cherished members of your family.
Ophthalmology Resources
Pet Ophthalmology
Our primary goal is to ensure your pet receives the best care in a timely manner. Please schedule an appointment with one of our two board certified ophthalmologists Mondays-Fridays (8 AM- 5 PM). You will be scheduled as a ‘first available’ appointment. If you or your primary veterinarian believes your pet is suffering from an eye condition that warrants immediate attention, please relay that information to our scheduling personnel. If we are not able to schedule you immediately, please bring your pet to the PETS ER 24/7 where our on-site ER doctors can help get your pet the treatment it needs until an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists is available.
We want to make sure your pet gets appropriate eye care and know that it can sometimes be urgent. You may call to make an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists at any time, no referral is technically necessary. However, your pet’s primary care veterinarian is an excellent resource. If your primary care veterinarian has seen your pet for this problem and recommends you see an ophthalmologist, please ask how urgent they think the appointment should be. Our front desk staff can schedule any open appointment. However, sometimes an open appointment slot is not available soon enough. If that is the case, then you can reach out to our Ophthalmology staff directly to see if your pet can be seen sooner OR bring your pet to the PETS ER 24/7 where ER doctors can help get your pet the treatment it needs until an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists is available.
Ophthalmology specialists
Veterinary Services in Berkeley, California
Dr. Mitzi Zarfoss
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr. Mitzi Zarfoss grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Dartmouth College cum laude in 2000. She developed an interest in ophthalmology while studying for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Cornell University (2000-2004). She proceeded to the University of Missouri to complete a small animal internship. Dr. Zarfoss was invited to spend the next year studying the pathology of animal eyes (autopsies of the eye) at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in order to understand animal eye disease more fully. She then completed a clinical ophthalmology internship at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Massachusetts. Dr. Zarfoss was subsequently accepted into a three-year residency in Comparative Veterinary Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and completed a concurrent Master’s Degree. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2010. Dr. Zarfoss enjoys teaching, lecturing, and collaborating with other ophthalmologists to contribute to ongoing research and stay current in her knowledge. Dr. Zarfoss strives to develop quality relationships and communicate effectively with clients and veterinarians in order to provide the best possible care to patients. Dr. Zarfoss is happily married with a son born in May 2014. Dr. Zarfoss has an Australian/German Shepherd (Sally) who herds her son and a beloved cat (Hattie) adopted in 2020. Hattie was brought to Dr. Zarfoss to evaluate if her very diseased eyes could be saved. They could not, but Hattie’s resilience and tolerance inspire the whole family every day. Dr. Zarfoss enjoys cooking for her friends and family, birdwatching, hiking and biking with her family, and lounging under her cat.
Dr. LaTisha Knight
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr. Knight completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, and then earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Purdue University in 2011. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Iowa State University and then returned to Purdue to complete her residency in Comparative Ophthalmology in July 2015. Concurrent with her residency, Dr. Knight completed a Master’s of Science degree exploring the use of high-frequency ultrasound for the detection of uveal cysts in dogs. Since graduating Dr. Knight has worked in private practice and academic settings, most recently at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She served as a clinical assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology which has resulted in a newfound interest in veterinary medical education. During her spare time, Dr. Knight enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and trying new foods.