About Us

PRIVATELY OWNED VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS IN

CENTRAL FLORIDA

At Animal Eye Associates, we are a team of dedicated, passionate professionals who do everything we can do keep animals healthy and happy. If your pet is having eye trouble, we can help. Call today.

Why Bring Your Pet To

Animal Eye Associates

Our Team Has Over 50 Years Of Combined Experience In Veterinary Ophthalmology
We Offer Animal Eye Exams & Eye Surgery To All Species Of Animals
Our Staff Is Trained In The Latest Diagnostic Tests To Determine Animal Eye Issues
Our Veterinarians Will Do Everything They Can To Ensure Your Pet Is Pain-Free

Mission

Our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate eye care for animals of all species.

Values

Eye Health: preserving vision and treating eye conditions of all species.

Compassionate Service: a professional, caring, informative approach.

Partnership: working closely with your primary care veterinarian for best outcomes.

The Animal Eye Associates Team

Dr. Daniel Priehs, DVM, DACVO

Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Priehs has been caring for animals for over four decades. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University in 1984, followed by a year-long internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital near New York City. He then stayed on as part of their clinical faculty, where he spent two years studying veterinary ophthalmology at the renowned Animal Medical Center in NYC.

In 1987, Dr. Priehs began a two-year residency in ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Gainesville. By 1991, he had become a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).

Over the years, Dr. Priehs has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters in his field. His professional passions include intraocular surgery and caring for the eyes of exotic animals. He's also deeply involved in veterinary medicine at the local, state, and national levels, especially through the ACVO. Beyond his clinical work, he generously donates his expertise to organizations like Canine Companions for Independence and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. Priehs enjoys spending time with his wife Carla and their four children—Bethany, Buddy, Sam, and Lily. He’s also an enthusiastic golfer who loves a good day on the green.

Dr. Heidi Denis, DVM, DACVO

Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Denis has been dedicated to animal eye care for over two decades. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 1997, followed by a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Michigan State University. In 1998, she returned to UF to complete a residency in Comparative Ophthalmology, and in 2001, she became a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).

Throughout her career, Dr. Denis has been actively involved in advancing her field. She has served on the ACVO Examination Committee, helping evaluate future veterinary ophthalmologists, and was a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine from 2003 to 2004. Her academic contributions include writing textbook chapters and publishing in several peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Denis has a special interest in eyelid surgery, corneal surgery and transplantation, and ophthalmic care for marine mammals and exotic animals.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Denis cherishes time with her family and beloved pets. She also enjoys riding her cutting horse whenever she gets the chance.

Dr. Maria Moriyon, DVM, DACVO

Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Maria Moriyon earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2020, followed by a year-long internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at The Ohio State University. She then pursued an Ophthalmology specialty internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in New York before completing her Comparative Ophthalmology residency at Texas A&M University in 2025 and became a board certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).

Dr. Moriyon has a strong passion for caring for pets with ophthalmic conditions, with particular interests in intraocular surgery, corneal grafting, and ocular surface disease. She is dedicated to enhancing her patients’ quality of life while strengthening the bond between pets and their families.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Moriyon is an avid college football fan that enjoys running and spending time with her family. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with pet owners in the language they feel most comfortable.

Dr. Tatiane Villar, DVM, DACVO

Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Villar brings a global perspective and deep passion for veterinary ophthalmology. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of São Paulo in 2012, where she also completed a residency in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. In 2016, she moved to the U.S. to join the University of Illinois as a Research Scholar, focusing on Comparative Ophthalmology. During this time, she developed a strong interest in corneal physiology and healing, publishing several peer-reviewed articles along the way.

In 2017, Dr. Villar was selected for a one-year specialty internship in Comparative Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois. She then stayed on to complete her ophthalmology residency while also earning a Master’s degree. In 2022, she became a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).

Dr. Villar’s professional passions include eyelid surgery, ocular surface and corneal reconstruction, and intraocular procedures.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing tennis, and making music on the guitar and piano. Originally from Brazil, Dr. Villar is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German, making her an excellent communicator with clients from many backgrounds.

Ashlie

Practice Manager

Learn More

Ashlie has been part of the veterinary profession since 2016 and joined Animal Eye Associates in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UCF and enjoys the unique opportunity to work closely with both animals and their people. Outside of work, Ashlie is passionate about hot yoga, traveling, history, and exploring the paranormal. At home, she loves spending time with her wife, their three dogs—Zoe Marie, Jackson, and Charlie—and their rescue guinea pig, Eloise.