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Location: Ophthalmology
Veterinary
Ophthalmic Referrals
Veterinary
Ophthalmic Referrals (VOR) was established by Dr Tony Read in 1996
and was the first Adelaide-based specialist clinical veterinary
referral service. VOR is primarily aimed at providing referral back-up
for eye cases seen initially by general veterinary practitioners.
Screening of pure-bred dogs for hereditary eye diseases is also
offered. No general practice or non-ophthalmic cases are seen.
The
overall aim of VOR is to ensure clients ultimately return to their
referring/usual veterinarian happy that, within reason, everything
possible has been done to rectify their pet’s eye problem.
Dr
R A Read
BVSc (Hons), DVOphthal (RCVS),
Diplomate ECVO, FACVSc (Ophthal), FRCVS
Dr R A
‘Tony’ Read is Adelaide’s only Veterinary Eye Specialist
Tony
Read is a graduate of the University of Sydney Veterinary School.
After several years in mixed general practice in Tasmania and
New South Wales, Dr Read commenced specialising in Veterinary
Ophthalmology in the United Kingdom. He completed a residency
training program at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket and then
ran a referral service in Wimbledon, London.
Dr
Read returned to Australia in 1996 to establish Veterinary Ophthalmic
Referrals in his home town of Adelaide. He has British, European
and Australian specialist qualifications in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
What is a
Veterinary Ophthalmologist?
Veterinary
medicine has progressed to the point of having specialist fields
similar to those that have existed in human medicine for decades.
A Veterinary Ophthalmologist is a veterinary eye specialist, in
other words a veterinarian who has specialised in the diagnosis
and treatment of conditions involving the eyes of animals.
To
register as a veterinary specialist in a particular field, rigorous
and stringent criteria have to be met in terms of training programs
and examinations leading to specialist qualifications. Dr Read underwent
specialist training in the United Kingdom and has British, European
and Australian specialist qualifications in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
When Does
Your Pet Need an Ophthalmologist?
When
your pet has an eye problem which, due to its complex, protracted
or delicate nature, requires specialist ocular equipment or expertise
for diagnosis, medical treatment or surgery.
Most
cases seen by a veterinary ophthalmologist are referred by a general
veterinary practitioner. Your usual veterinarian will generally
provide an initial eye examination and suggest whether referral
to an eye specialist is indicated. Referral of a difficult ophthalmic
case demonstrates your veterinarian’s concern for your pet’s welfare
and his/her ability to identify conditions which will benefit from
specialised diagnosis and treatment.
What Does
an Appointment Involve?
Initially
all the relevant details of your pet’s medical history will be reviewed.
An eye examination similar to that performed in humans follows,
but eye charts and spectacles are off the agenda! Specialist eye
examination equipment is used to make a thorough and complete assessment
of both eyes.
A diagnosis
is made and where applicable the pros and cons of available treatment
options are discussed prior to a joint decision being made on the
best course of action for your pet’s eye problem. A report is made
promptly to your usual veterinarian to keep him/her fully informed
on how your pet’s eye condition is being treated and managed.
More
information on services.
