The ACVO-SAVES (ACVO®/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening) is a philanthropic event that provides free, ocular screening eye exams to qualified Service & Working Animals each May. These exams are provided by board-certified members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® who choose to participate and volunteer their time and resources. The program benefits formally trained working animals who selflessly care for us all. Registration is open April 1st - 30th annually. Approximately 5,000-8,000 eye exams are provided across the United States of America, Canada, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United Kingdom each May.

This program would not be successful without the generosity of our board certified ACVO® Diplomates who donate their time, staff, and services. We thank our generous name-sake sponsor, Epicur Pharma (a division of Stokes Healthcare), additional sponsors, and non-profit supporters.

We would also like to thank everyone who allowed us to use their amazing photos and stories.

Registration for the 2026 Event will open April 1, 2026.

In middle March, we will be able to provide a list of cities where clinics will be voluntarily participating for the 2026 event. These can change from year to year as participation is completely voluntary, based upon the availability of each specialist and their resources, and the exam happen in their existing clinic locations. The ACVO cannot add additional locations where a member has not volunteered.

*Participating clinics and their contact information will be provided in the registration confirmation email only.

Registration

Registration for the 2026 program will open April 1, 2026

Among the 10 winners of the NAVC Veterinary Innovation Council  (VIC) Awards was the ACVO-SAVES (ACVO®/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening) in the Organization: Other category.

We would like to thank all those who voted and all those who make the program possible including but not limited to: the generous volunteer ophthalmologists and their staff, amazing sponsors and supporters of the program. Because of you, thousands of Service and Working Animals receive sight-saving eye exams every year.

Official VIC Award Press Release