Polar Eyes Veterinary Ophthalmology

05/16/2026

With the help of Dr Spotts and AK WildBird Rehab Center, Dr Snyder performed surgery on this tiny 100gram (0.2 pounds!!) saw-whet owl. The owl had sustained trauma to his left eye that even after medical treatment caused permanent blindness and discomfort.

With the owl still able to successfully hunt, Dr Snyder performed a specialized modified surgery to remove part of the damaged eye while keeping the owls facial disc intact. The facial disc, the concentric ring of feathers around the eyes, functions to amplify sound and allows sound directionality. After surgery, his eye pain will be resolved and his facial symmetry will be minimally changed…keeping his ability to hunt intact.

This gives him another chance at life and makes a future release to the wild possible. This is one of the smallest birds this procedure has ever been performed in!! 👏🦉👀🏥

04/24/2026

Making sure the UAF-CSU Veterinary Students get to see their first glimpse of a feline retina during our annual ophtho exam laboratory in Fairbanks. While we start to teach the basics of a retinal exam, there is a mirror on the front of Dr Snyder’s headset that allows students to see exactly what Dr Snyder is viewing. This usually leads to many “Woah!” reactions when the colorful tapetum and retina come into focus!

04/18/2026

We examined this little Saw-whet owl to make a treatment plan and get him on the mend. One of the smallest owls in North America but big in personality!

04/16/2026

Tooty had been blind for years before the owner contacted us for a cataract evaluation to see what was possible. One month after surgery Tooty is ready for summer with vision and a new summer haircut to match!

04/02/2026

Did you know there’s a veterinary ophthalmologist right here in Alaska? 👀🐾

Every Tuesday, Dr. Snyder and the incredible team at Polar Eyes bring specialized eye care to the Mat-Su Valley—seeing patients at Susitna Animal Urgent Care for everything from minor irritations to complex eye conditions.

If your pet is squinting, red, cloudy, or just not quite themselves, having access to expert ophthalmology care close to home can make all the difference. We’re so grateful to partner with Polar Eyes to help keep your pets seeing clearly and feeling their best. 💙

01/14/2026

We have limited exam slots available next Thursday (January 22nd) at North Pole Veterinary Hospital. We are also going to Mount McKinley Animal Hospital but our schedule is full! If you are in the Fairbanks area and your pet has eye issues that require a specialist, call 907-488-2335 to get on Dr. Snyder's schedule at NPVH. You don't have to be a client of North Pole Vet Hospital to be seen.
Let us know if you have any trouble getting on our schedule.
See you soon!

12/03/2025

11/13/2025

Polar Eyes is a proud supporter of Chugiak Dog Mushers Association for the 2025-2026 race season. We are passionate about supporting all canine athletes, especially sled dogs, and raising awareness of the positive power of dog mushing to connect people with Alaska's roots and the great outdoors.

11/11/2025

We will be in Fairbanks Nov 19th-21st at Mt McKinley Animal Hospital. We have limited spots left on the 20th...if you need an appointment call 907-452-6104 to get on our schedule. Your primary vet does not have to be MMAH to schedule, this is open to the entire Fairbanks community. If you have difficulty scheduling please let us know and we will make every effort to fit you in. See you soon!!

10/21/2025

In August we performed surgery to restore vision to Ingrid and Leif. Now they are back on the trail with the team! Why we do what we do! Check out Susitna Sled Dog Adventures to follow their team’s journey to Iditarod 2026.