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Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist – Vets for Pets, Colchester

13th October 2026, 9:19am#Jobs

Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Diplomate | Residency-Trained | Advanced Practitioner

Shape the future of referral ophthalmology in Essex
Salary: £80,000–£120,000
Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience
Full-time or part-time considered | Flexible working arrangements available
Build something exceptional.

Colchester Referral Hospital is entering an exciting new phase of growth, and we are looking for an experienced ophthalmologist to lead the next chapter of our rapidly expanding referral service. This is far more than a clinical position. It is an opportunity to shape the direction of an ambitious ophthalmology department within a modern multidisciplinary referral hospital, supported by Specialists, Advanced Practitioners and an experienced nursing team.
Whether you are an ECVO/ACVO Diplomate, Residency-trained clinician or an experienced RCVS Advanced Practitioner looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Our vision
We believe the very best referral centres do more than accept referrals. Our ambition is to become the ophthalmology partner of choice for practices across Essex and East Anglia through exceptional patient care, collaboration, education and genuine support for our referring veterinary colleagues. We are building a service founded on relationships—working alongside primary care practices to improve confidence, raise clinical standards and deliver outstanding outcomes for patients and their owners. If that philosophy resonates with you, we’d love to meet you.

The opportunity
As Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist you will have the freedom to help shape the service around your interests and expertise.
Your role will include:
• Managing a varied and growing ophthalmology referral caseload
• Medical and surgical ophthalmology
• Cataract surgery (support available)
• Working closely with colleagues across surgery, medicine, diagnostic imaging and emergency & critical care
• Mentoring junior ophthalmologists, veterinary surgeons and nurses with an interest in ophthalmology
• Developing educational events and CPD for referring practices
• Helping guide future investment in equipment and service expansion

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys building services, mentoring others and helping create a collaborative clinical culture.

Facilities
You’ll be supported by modern facilities including:
• Zeiss OPMI Visu 200 operating microscope
• Alexos 3 phacoemulsification system
• 16 Slice CT scanner
• High-quality ultrasonography
• Comprehensive ophthalmic diagnostic equipment
• Dedicated ophthalmology consulting and surgical facilities

As the department continues to grow, there will be genuine opportunity to influence future equipment purchases and the ongoing development of the service.

A truly multidisciplinary hospital
Work alongside an experienced team of Specialists and Advanced Practitioners across multiple disciplines within a collaborative referral environment. Our clinicians work together, discuss cases together and support one another—because we believe the best patient care comes from teamwork.

Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking someone who combines excellent clinical standards with enthusiasm, curiosity and a collaborative approach.
You may be:
• ECVO/ACVO Diplomate
• ECVO/ACVO Residency-trained clinician
• RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology with significant referral experience
Just as importantly, you’ll enjoy teaching, mentoring colleagues and building lasting relationships with referring veterinary practices.

What we offer
• £80,000–£130,000 salary (negotiable according to experience)
• Flexible working arrangements to suit individual circumstances
• Supportive multidisciplinary referral environment
• Growing and varied referral caseload
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of the department
• Genuine autonomy to develop and expand the service
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities

Interested?
If you’re looking for another job, this probably isn’t it.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help build one of the region’s leading veterinary ophthalmology services—and leave your mark on how referral ophthalmology is delivered—we’d love to hear from you.
Join us, and help shape the future of veterinary ophthalmology in Essex.

Enquiries, CV’s and References can be emailed to JF Nell: colchester.vetreferrals@vetsforpets.com

Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist |  Andover, Minnesota

11th October 2026, 6:41pm#Jobs

Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist*
Full Time  |  Andover, Minnesota  |  Four Day Workweek

Animal Eye Specialty Center is seeking a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist to join our privately owned referral practice in Andover, Minnesota. This position offers a sustainable four day workweek with consistent three day weekends, a strong regional referral base, and the freedom to make sound clinical decisions without layers of corporate management. You will have the staff, equipment, and professional support needed to focus on excellent medicine, surgery, and client communication.

Why Join Animal Eye Specialty Center

  • A schedule built for a full life. Work four days each week and enjoy consistent three day weekends. Your time away from the clinic is respected with no emergency or on-call schedules.
  • Private ownership and clinical autonomy. Our doctor owners work in the practice and understand the decisions that shape patient care. You can practice to the full scope of your training and help guide how the clinic grows.
  • An ophthalmology focused practice. Our established referral relationships provide a varied caseload and allow the team to concentrate on specialty eye care rather than the competing demands of a multispecialty corporate hospital.
  • Experienced clinical support. Work with board certified ophthalmologists, licensed veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants that values efficient workflow and clear communication.
  • Modern facilities and equipment. The clinic includes dedicated surgical space, advanced ophthalmic diagnostic and imaging tools, and the equipment needed for complex medical and surgical cases.
  • Equine Opportunity: A species diverse caseload, if you want it. Our practice treats companion animals and offers the opportunity to participate in equine ophthalmology based on your interests.

Position Responsibilities

  • Provide advanced medical and surgical ophthalmic care for referred patients.
  • Evaluate ocular disease, develop treatment plans, perform procedures/surgery, and manage follow up care.
  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients and maintain collaborative relationships with referring veterinarians.
  • Complete timely, accurate medical records and support continuity of care across the clinical team.
  • Work closely with technicians to maintain safe, efficient patient flow and high standards of care.
  • Contribute to clinical protocols, team development, and practice decisions in areas that match your experience and interests.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent.
  • Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
  • Current Minnesota veterinary license or eligibility to obtain one.
  • Strong clinical judgment, surgical skill, and commitment to high quality patient care.
  • Professional, respectful communication with clients, referring veterinarians, and team members.
  • A collaborative approach and interest in contributing to a privately owned practice.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive base salary with production based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

  • Health and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick or emergent need.
  • Continuing education allowance and support for conference expenses.
  • Payment or reimbursement of professional dues, licensing costs, and board related expenses.
  • Professional liability coverage and life and disability insurance.
  • Scrub allowance and mileage reimbursement for local travel.

Life in Andover and Minnesota

Andover is in the northern Twin Cities area, offering a quiet suburban setting with safe neighborhoods and convenient access to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Families can choose from established public school options in the Anoka Hennepin district, while the surrounding area offers parks, trails, and year round recreation. Minnesota lake life is close at hand, with boating, fishing, paddling, and cabin weekends in summer and snow sports in winter. The Twin Cities add major league sports, theater, concerts, museums, restaurants, and an international airport within an easy drive.

How to Apply

For a confidential conversation, send your CV to director@animaleyespecialtycenter.com. Learn more about the practice at animaleyespecialtycenter.com.

* Consideration will be given to candidates currently in residency or those pursuing board certification.

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