Published October 08. 2026 08:09AM
Rain canceled scheduled Macungie Memorial Park’s “Pups in the Park” outdoor activities Sept. 20, but the Poodle Club of the Lehigh Valley’s eye clinic, held inside Macungie Memorial Hall, proceeded as scheduled.
Dr. Gustavo D. Aguirre, VMD, Ph.D., DACVO, evaluated the eye health of dogs representing a variety of breeds.
Each participating owner received a Companion Animal Eye Registry form documenting the dog’s examination results. The screenings can help identify inherited eye conditions and are often used by breeders when making breeding decisions. Prospective dog owners may also request health screening records when considering a dog from a breeder.
This year marked the final time Aguirre participated in the clinic.
Aguirre will continue his research on inherited eye diseases and gene therapy. According to the Providence Animal Center website, his work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine focuses on inherited eye diseases and their treatment through gene therapy.
In addition to publishing research on canine eye disease, Aguirre has received numerous awards recognizing his work in veterinary ophthalmology. He participated in the clinic for multiple years through the Poodle Club of the Lehigh Valley.
Press Photo by Beverly SpringerVendor Wendy Grogan receives a kiss from Harlow, who is enjoying a Magnawave pulsed electromagnetic-field treatment. Event organizer and standard poodle breeder Rhonda Pacchioli shares Grogan’s amusement.
BELOW: Dr. Aguirre’s wife Kathleen administers pre-exam eye drops to Gigi a two-year-old Bichon Frise held by owner Julie Weiderhold.
Press photos by Beverly SpringerRoxie, held by owner Diane Keeler, is in line. Toni Hess-Fillman, president of the Poodle Club of the Lehigh Valley, stands behind Keeler.
LEFT: Anna Ney calms Welsh springer spaniel Colwyn as they await his turn with the doctor.
