Carlos Mayoral, Key Account Manager Latam, Spain and Italy, is a huge animal lover, with a current pet total of eleven (9 tortoises, 2 dogs).
On his most recent trip to Mediphacos, Brazil, he met Laura Paolucci, a veterinary ophthalmologist and General Manager of ViZoo Veterinary Ophthalmology, a Brazilian company known for its outstanding development and application of advanced technologies in veterinary ophthalmology.
They spoke about something that deeply touches any pet owner: the pain of seeing a companion lose their sight to cataracts and the incredible science that works to restore it. Carlos shared how the conversation quickly moved beyond technical issues and touched on an essential point: what it truly means to restore sight to an animal.
On his most recent trip to Mediphacos, Brazil, he met Laura Paolucci, a veterinary ophthalmologist and General Manager of ViZoo Veterinary Ophthalmology, a Brazilian company known for its outstanding development and application of advanced technologies in veterinary ophthalmology.
They spoke about something that deeply touches any pet owner: the pain of seeing a companion lose their sight to cataracts and the incredible science that works to restore it. Carlos shared how the conversation quickly moved beyond technical issues and touched on an essential point: what it truly means to restore sight to an animal.
More Than Just "Old Age"
They discussed the common misconception that cataracts only affect older pets. “Cataracts are a multifactorial condition, and can be associated with factors such as diabetes, trauma, genetic predisposition, intraocular inflammation, or aging,” explained Laura.
In many cases, especially in diabetic dogs, the clouding of the lens can progress extremely rapidly, leading to total vision loss in a matter of days. When this happens, the impact goes far beyond physical limitations. Sudden vision loss alters behaviour, reduces interaction, and can significantly compromise the animal’s well-being and quality of life.
“Cataract surgery generates a feeling that is difficult to explain, both for the veterinarian and for the family,” commented Laura. Unlike what we often see in human medicine, where in most cases cataracts do not progress to total vision loss, in veterinary ophthalmology it is common to receive patients already in advanced stages, with complete opacification of the lens. In many of these cases, the animal regains its sight immediately after the procedure, and that first look, upon recognizing its family again after so long, is something that marks everyone involved. It’s more than restoring sight: it’s restoring connection, security, and life to the animal.
“Cataract surgery generates a feeling that is difficult to explain, both for the veterinarian and for the family,” commented Laura. Unlike what we often see in human medicine, where in most cases cataracts do not progress to total vision loss, in veterinary ophthalmology it is common to receive patients already in advanced stages, with complete opacification of the lens. In many of these cases, the animal regains its sight immediately after the procedure, and that first look, upon recognizing its family again after so long, is something that marks everyone involved. It’s more than restoring sight: it’s restoring connection, security, and life to the animal.
The Path to Recovery: A Family Commitment
Laura and Carlos discussed the main challenges faced by pet owners throughout the surgical journey. Unlike what many imagine, cataract surgery is not an isolated procedure; it requires preparation, follow-up, and, above all, engagement. Before surgery, it is essential that the patient is clinically stable and able to undergo the anaesthetic procedure safely. This includes controlling systemic diseases and a thorough assessment of the animal’s general condition.
However, the success of the procedure is built in the postoperative period. Proper medication administration, rigorous use of eye drops, and adaptation to the Elizabethan collar are essential steps for adequate recovery. Laura shared “It’s a journey that depends directly on the owner’s commitment and engagement in the animal’s continuous care throughout the recovery period. When well-managed, the result goes beyond vision and represents the resumption of quality of life and the way the animal relates to its family.”
The cost is an investment, yes, but when we weigh that against the quality of life of a family member, the perspective changes. It’s about restoring dignity and the ability to navigate the world they love.
However, the success of the procedure is built in the postoperative period. Proper medication administration, rigorous use of eye drops, and adaptation to the Elizabethan collar are essential steps for adequate recovery. Laura shared “It’s a journey that depends directly on the owner’s commitment and engagement in the animal’s continuous care throughout the recovery period. When well-managed, the result goes beyond vision and represents the resumption of quality of life and the way the animal relates to its family.”
The cost is an investment, yes, but when we weigh that against the quality of life of a family member, the perspective changes. It’s about restoring dignity and the ability to navigate the world they love.
Human-level Science for our Furry Friends
Carlos works daily with Contamac materials and felt a special pride discussing the technology behind ViZoo implants. He asked Laura:
“Are we giving these animals the same quality of materials we give to humans?”
The answer was a resounding “yes.”
Veterinary intraocular lenses, such as ioVet and ioVetAC, are manufactured by Mediphacos using the same medical-grade polymers from Contamac used in human intraocular surgeries and undergo the same production and quality control process as implants intended for humans. After all, for ViZoo, the pursuit of the highest quality in veterinary ophthalmology is a non-negotiable principle.
The answer was a resounding “yes.”
Veterinary intraocular lenses, such as ioVet and ioVetAC, are manufactured by Mediphacos using the same medical-grade polymers from Contamac used in human intraocular surgeries and undergo the same production and quality control process as implants intended for humans. After all, for ViZoo, the pursuit of the highest quality in veterinary ophthalmology is a non-negotiable principle.
A Brighter Future
ViZoo isn’t just selling a product; it’s offering a second chance. Coming out of the conversation with Laura, Carlos felt his perspective on his own pets shift. He says “we often say that we ‘take care’ of our animals, but through the partnership between Contamac, Mediphacos, and ViZoo, we are ensuring that they can continue to take care of us too”.
