Page 7 - RVC Clinical Connections - Summer 2025

Ophthalmology

Due to the evolution of ophthalmology Research, evolution and efficiency
treatments, the proportion of visits that are The team is actively involved in
outpatient appointments has increased ophthalmology research, which both
significantly. We have had an ophthalmology informs and evolves practice. For example,
nurse clinic since last year, allowing our the RVC’s Corneal Lab (2022) is led by
nursing team to perform rechecks under the Christiane Kafarnik, who conducted a PhD
supervision of a senior ophthalmologist. related to corneal stromal stem cells in
The current size of the Ophthalmology dogs (UCL), with the aim to develop ex vivo
Service is seven senior clinicians, four corneal disease models and develop further
residents and our RVN, Lottie-Louise research into corneal scarring.
Osborne. Developments in research and technology
supported the expanded team in delivering
a greater range of services, efficiently – and
often more affordably for clients.
There has been a steady evolution of
techniques over the years, which have
improved the efficacy of procedures and
reduced recovery times. The timeline below Reindeer Snowflake at the RVC, supported by
her calf
includes a selection of interesting cases,
as well as developments in technology and
Cataract surgery for a guinea pig (Poppy) staff capacity. For small animal referrals, please call:
01707 666399
Email:
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk
The Ophthalmology Service
was re-established, with the The RVC Corneal Tissue Members of the Ophthalmology The Ophthalmology and Exotics Snowflake, a nine-year-old
appointment of Rick Sanchez. Bank (which enables corneal Service were founding members services collaborate on the case reindeer, received treatment from
As well as taking dog, cat and transplant) was established, of the RVC’s Brachycephalic of George, a pet rhea, who the RVC Ophthalmology Service
rabbit referrals at the QMHA, with support from the RVC’s Interdisciplinary Research Team, presented with left-sided at the Equine Referral Hospital,
Rick began to collaborate with charity the Animal Care Trust established to co-ordinate and periocular swelling. for a neoplastic lesion of the third
the Equine Referral Hospital team. (ACT). disseminate research on eyelid.
brachycephalic companion The Ophthalmology Service and
Charlotte Dawson became the animals. Exotics Service collaborated on The ophthalmology nurse clinic
service’s first ophthalmology the first recorded cataract surgery is established.
specialist-in-training (resident). on a guinea pig in the UK.

1970s 2011 2023 2025
to to 2014 2015 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 to and
2000 2012 2024 beyond

Peter Bedford is awarded a PhD The Exotics Service The service performed A new operating microscope, The RVC Ophthalmology team The Ophthalmology team has
for studies on canine glaucoma in was established, with the pioneering reconstructive funded by the ACT, enabled commenced research into the been reviewing the current
1974 and was awarded the RCVS appointment of Joanna surgery and cryotherapy on the team to offer procedures antibacterial effect of cross-linking literature on the use of
Fellowship for work on aqueous Hedley. Ophthalmology has an equine eyelid tumour. Such available within very few on corneas and conjunctiva of platelet-rich plasma as a potential
dynamics in dogs in 1976. collaborated with Exotics ever a case had never before been centres in Europe. canine patients with infectious alternative to serum eye drops.
He received the BSAVA’s Simon since. documented in scientific literature. ulcerative keratitis. Based on encouraging reports
(1977), Bourgelat (1986) and The service began offering in other species, the team has
Blaine (1995) awards for work corneal cross-linking, a Exotics and ophthalmology decided to begin using plasma
in veterinary ophthalmology. cost-effective alternative specialists collaborated on a study in clinical cases and hopes to
to surgical treatment. The of risk factors for dacryocystitis in formally evaluate its efficacy
cross-linking machine was pet rabbits. through future research.
funded by the ACT.
Experimental UV-C light therapy
for corneal ulcers is being
researched by members of the
team.

Summer 2025 7