Dr. Smith established the Animal Eye Care Center (AECC) in 1995. The AECC is a referral-only practice for the exclusive treatment of medical and surgical eye conditions of animals. The center is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland a northwest suburb of Washington, DC. It is conveniently located 0.2 miles between two major roadways, Route 355 and Interstate 270, on Shady Grove Road. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Dr. Smith is available to see eye emergencies Monday morning through Thursday evenings and commonly performs emergency surgery. Reserved parking for our clients is available directly in front of the office.

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The AECC features many tools and technology for the optimal care of pets with eye diseases. These include: indirect and biomicroscope examination of your pets eyes, streak retinoscopy (refraction), eye pressure, tear quantity, and quality measurements, fluorescein stain, as well as, ocular ultrasonography, electroretinography (to test retinal function), a full operating room suite with several multi-head operating microscopes, the latest technology in phacoemulsification (for cataract removal), laser therapy, cryotherapy, and radiofrequency electrocautery.

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Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986 and was a private practitioner in Bethlehem, PA for five years. Dr. Smith completed his ophthalmology training at the University of California-Davis and became a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1994. Dr. Smith has fostered an excellent reputation in the area and has been featured in the Washingtonian for many years as one of the region's Best Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He has authored several articles for veterinary journals and has spoken at veterinary meetings across the United States on ophthalmology topics.

 

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​Dr. Amy Baker is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist with a passion for education/mentorship, clinical excellence, and all things eyeball related. After earning her BA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and graduating cum laude from Tuskegee University, she completed a general medicine/surgery internship followed by a specialty ophthalmology/oncology internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists. She completed a residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Florida under the mentorship of the original pioneers in the field of veterinary ophthalmology.  
 
Dr. Baker has published original research in equine ophthalmology and has served as educational director within a large group of veterinary ophthalmology practices. She is a sought after speaker, known for her engaging continuing education seminars and ability to simplify difficult concepts for both practitioners and pet owners alike. Dr. Baker has also served as veterinary director for a pet food company, leading R&D and producing educational content. Today, she leads Visionary Veterinary Consulting, providing expert consultation and education services nationwide for veterinarians dedicated to a high standard of practice.
 
Outside of work, she rescues elderly Pekingese and smooshie faced cats, has a horse habit, and loves restoring/decorating older homes.
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