Dr. Garvin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1956. He established the Garvin Veterinary Clinic in Aurora, Colorado in 1957 and ran it as a general companion animal practice until 1978.

He attended Stanford University School of Medicine in 1971-2 and subsequently in 1972 was awarded diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. In 1975 he was accepted as Associate Fellow with the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 1977 he was chosen Colorado Veterinarian of the Year. He served as president of the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology from 1969-70. During his years of veterinary ophthalmology referral practice, he was a part-time professor at Colorado State University Veterinary College. Also he was guest lecturer on comparative ophthalmology at the University of Colorado Medical Center.

The Dr. Howard Garvin Research Fund was established by the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology as a method to financially support veterinarian's ophthalmology research. Applications are judged by the Research Committee and grants have been awarded annually.

 Point (don't click) here to see a list of 
previously funded research projects