Welcome to Rowe Referrals

Ophthalmology

The ophthalmology service is run on a 24/7 basis by three full time Veterinary Ophthalmologists :

Tim Knott BSc (hons), BVSc, CertV Opthal, MRCVS

Brian Patterson BVM&S, CertV Opthal, MRCVS

Elena Fenollosa-Romero LdoVet, CertV Opthal, MRCVS

in association with a dedicated team of ophthalmic nurses backed up by 24 hour healthcare facilities.

Services offered include cataract and lens luxation surgery by phacoemulsification, intra-ocular lens placement for both cataract and lens luxation patients, electroretinography, advanced ophthalmic imaging (including high frequency ocular ultrasound, digital radiography and MRI scanning), glaucoma endolaser and shunt surgery, laser indirect ophthalmoscopy, a full range of corneal surgeries including transplantation, parotid duct transposition surgery, reconstructive ophthalmic oncologic surgery and ocular prosthesis surgery all undertaken with high end anaesthesia (including the avilability of sevoflurane, capnography, pulse-oximetry, neuromuscular blockade, Merlin small animal ventilator, ECG, continuous temperature monitoring, Bair Hugger adjustable warming system).

Glaucoma remains the commonest cause of enucleation in our clinic. Recent advances in the management of primary glaucoma are being integrated into the eye clinic's approach to these cases. The use of a video endoscopic laser allows us to visualise and provide local treatment to the epithelium of the ciliary body processes, which the part of the eye in charge of producing aqueous humour. This results in a permanent decrease in aqueous production and intra-ocular pressure. Whilst glaucoma is a lifelong problem, we are very encouraged by the positive impact that this surgery has had in a significant number of cases to date in terms of sight retention.
Advances in the treatment of lens luxation have also been an area that we have focused on and developed in the last few years. In particular the use of “keyhole” surgery to remove subluxated and luxated lenses is becoming our preferred approach and the use of prosthetic lens implants following lens removal is also now offered routinely. The ability to replace the abnormal lens with a prosthetic intra-ocular lens offers these patients an alternative to the visual disability seen following lens removal without prosthetic lens implantation. The combination of prosthetic lens implantation and endoscopic laser glaucoma surgery may prove to offer a much better long term prognosis for these patients. Sutured intra-ocular lens for use following lens removal in primary lens luxation cases.

Referrals are accepted for all species, reduced referral fees being offered for small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc.). Interestingly, we have been presented with a number of rabbits with chronic indolent ulcers in recent times and it is likely that the spectrum of treatable eye diseases in the third commonest companion species is most likely under recognised. We are in a strong position to help referring vets and their clients in managing the challenges and frustrations of small mammal ophthalmology.

One challenging exotic patient we met recently was “B**tard” the Buzzard. Presenting with sudden onset blindness this young Buzzard was found to have a detached retina in her left eye and an advanced cataract in her left eye. With the assistance of Chris from the exotic referral department and following electrical testing of her retinal function B**tard underwent successful cataract removal and prosthetic lens implantation.

Equine, camelid and other large animal referrals are welcomed. The equine vision centre is based at our Wotton under Edge clinic where full anaesthesia and hospitalisation facilitates are available. Equine patients can be seen by arrangement at several equine hospitals in the South West and South Wales. Intra-ocular surgery (including cataract surgery), advanced corneal surgical techniques, laser treatment of glaucoma, slow release drug implantation for recurrent uveitis and ocular prosthetic surgery are all offered at the Equine eye clinic.

Visiting eye clinics are currently held at: Brookfield Veterinary Hospital (Hereford), Garstons Veterinary Group (Frome, Wiltshire), Bristol University Vet School (Langford) and Isca Veterinary Surgery (Exeter). Clinics can be organised by arrangement at other clinics in the South West and South Wales – please contact Tim at the eye clinic if you are interested in this service.

Referrals are booked through the eye clinic direct on 01454 415478 and we are always happy to give telephone or email advice, both the Eye Clinic and the Equine Vision Centre can be reached directly on 01454 415478 or eyes@rowevetgroup.com.