eye problem with cockatiel

Question
QUESTION: Hi. We have just noticed our 2 year old female cockatiel has a small pink dot on her eye line I thought it was a seed shell at first, but it didnt go away, now I've noticed wwhen she blinks it disappears and then pop up again, its tiny the size of a millet seed shell on her right eye along to bottom. Do you think it needs vet attention, or should we wait a few day and see if it clears up, it doent seem to be bothering her, she's not rubbing it on her wing. If advise taking her to a vet we will but we dont have money for the expense vets can charge. Thanks for your help. Regards, Jan and Maxi the cockatiel


ANSWER: Is this tiel on a predominantly seed and millet diet?
 How old is the bird?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, mostly mixed seed, with greens at times. She's approx 2 and a half years old. Otherwise health and happy. Thanks

Answer
What you're seeing is probably the result of a vitamin deficiency as the result of diet. It might also be a virus or fungus, but even those may have sprung up because of the seed diet.
 No matter what the manufacturers (or pet store clerks) tell you about how healthy their seed is, how fortified it is and all that - the truth is that they don't have any attachment to your bird.  If they lose you as a customer, there's always someone else who will buy their pitch.

 Even in the wild, 'tiels aren't predominantly seed eaters.  They also get plenty of exercise every day to justify the high fat seeds they do eat.  In our homes there's no way they can be that active. Their diet should be 70-80% pellets; millet should be limited to the size of a thumbnail once or twice a week (yep, really).  Fresh foods like carrots (cooked or raw), dark greens and whole grains are vital.

 Take a look here for more about how to feed, what to feed and even tips about converting hard core seed eaters

 www.4AnimalCare.org (click the bird tab)

With all that said, have her checked out by a vet who knows birds. It doesn't need to be a specifically 'avian' vet, there are many regular vets who see popular birds like this.  If it's a virus or fungal infection, caught early like this (good job by the way), treatment is relatively easy and inexpensive.  
 Good luck