Speaker Bios – BrAVO – British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Rob Ward

BSc (hons) BVM&S FHEA Dip ECVAA MRCVS

Rob is a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, a position he have held for the past six years. Following his graduation in 2010, Rob pursued a varied career path, encompassing both clinical and non-clinical roles, prior to specialising in anaesthesia and completing a residency at the University of Cambridge in 2020. His professional interests span all aspects of anaesthesia, with a particular emphasis on mechanical ventilation and the provision of anaesthetic care to exotic species in zoos. Outside of his academic and clinical commitments, Rob enjoys being outdoors and can usually be found walking or running in the Pentland Hills, as well as rock climbing and bouldering.

Heidi Featherstone
BVetMed DVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
RCVS and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Heidi graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1991. She worked in general practice for seven years before starting her training in ophthalmology at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket. Heidi gained her RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2001, and her European Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2005. She is both an RCVS Recognised Specialist and an EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology. She is a member of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel, past secretary of the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO) and the past President of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO). Heidi enjoys teaching undergraduates and has been involved with two veterinary schools (Nottingham University and St George’s University, Grenada), as well as training post-graduates via the ECVO residency programme. Her clinical interests include corneal disease and the surgical management of cataract. She has published on several aspects of veterinary ophthalmology and is a regular speaker in the UK and overseas.

James Rushton
PhD, DipECVO, MRCVS
EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

James graduated from the Veterinary University Vienna in 2009 and was on the fast track to becoming a large animal surgeon. However during his PhD he discovered his passion for ophthalmology and has stuck with it ever since. He completed a residency in Veterinary Comparative Ophthalmology and became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmology and an EBVS (European Board of Veterinary Specialization) specialist of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2018. He has been working in private practice in 2 referral centres in the UK since 2016 and currently holds the position of Head of Ophthalmology at Paragon Referrals in West Yorkshire. He has authored several peer reviewed publications, presented at numerous national and international ophthalmology conferences and has received several awards for his scientific achievements. He has been involved with committee work for several professional organizations including the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmology, the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium and European College of Veterinary Ophthalmology and is currently the Subject Matter Expert for Mars Veterinary Health Europe. James was recently awarded Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Prior to the cultivation of his passion for ophthalmology, James was an entry level event rider, an avid karaoke singer, a passionate salsa dancer and a connoisseur of food and drink. With increasing involvement in his professional career his hair line has receded, his waist line has increased and the only thing that remains outside of work is the passion for good food, largely influenced by his wife`s amazing cooking and baking skills. James is the proud dad to 3 boys who keep him occupied during his rare free-time.

Robert Lowe BVSc DVOphthal MRCVS

RCVS Diplomate in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Robert graduated from the University of Bristol in 1998, having already developed a keen interest in veterinary ophthalmology. Following two years in mixed practice, he returned to Bristol to undertake a three-year residency in equine ophthalmology, gaining his Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2002. He subsequently spent three years working alongside Martyn King in a private small animal ophthalmology referral practice in Hampshire, before taking over the business and establishing Optivet Referrals in 2006. He went on to achieve his RCVS Diploma and Specialist status in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2011. Under Robert’s leadership, Optivet Referrals has grown from a small ophthalmology referral practice into one of the UK’s leading independent veterinary referral providers, with a main hospital in Havant and additional clinics in Devon, Glasgow, London and the Isle of Wight. Its ophthalmology team now includes eight board-certified specialists, alongside residency- trained clinicians, residents, interns and other ophthalmology practitioners. The practice has also expanded into a multidisciplinary referral centre, offering specialist services in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, cardiology, internal medicine and anaesthesia, alongside a dedicated 3 vet equine ophthalmology referral service. Robert has remained at the forefront of this development, helping to establish advanced ophthalmic surgical procedures, including vitreoretinal surgery and glaucoma surgery. Outside of his professional commitments, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and, when the opportunity arises, chasing an oval ball around a rugby pitch with a whistle at the ready or racing Caterham cars.

Hannah Stott RVN NCertAnaes – Veterinary Vision

Hannah is currently the Hospital Manager at Veterinary Vision, where she began her journey in 2015 as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). Since then, she has developed a strong passion for veterinary ophthalmology, with a particular focus on empowering veterinary nurses and ensuring they are supported to utilise their skills, knowledge and abilities to their full potential.

Hannah is passionate about recognising the valuable role nurses play within ophthalmology and promoting opportunities for professional development and growth within the field.

Natalie Hubbard RVN NCertECC – The Ralph

With more than a decade of veterinary nursing experience, Natalie began her career in emergency and critical care before moving into general practice, where she ran a range of nurse consultations. She now works in referral ophthalmology at The Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, where she continues to develop her passion for all things eye related!

Her interest in ophthalmology grew from her soft spot for geriatric patients. During her time in general practice and speaking with pet carers, Natalie noticed how often cloudy eyes in older pets were dismissed as simply “part of getting old”. Her response was always, “But we can do things to help!” This prompted her to explore how early recognition, appropriate treatment and education could make a meaningful difference to an animal’s quality of life.

As Natalie moved into referral ophthalmology, she became increasingly aware of the limited CPD opportunities available specifically for veterinary nurses interested in the field. She also recognised that ophthalmology and the nursing care of ophthalmic patients receive relatively little attention during initial RVN training, leaving nurses with limited opportunities to develop their knowledge and confidence. These experiences highlighted the need for a dedicated, supportive space for veterinary nurses to learn and connect.

Through BrAVONS, Natalie hopes to inspire nurses to recognise the vital role they can play in protecting and improving the vision and wellbeing of their patients.

Millie Motley RVN – Veterinary Vision

Millie is an RVN at Veterinary Vision’s Bamber Bridge branch. She has been working at Veterinary Vision since 2022, and ophthalmology has quickly become a passion as soon as she began learning about the different diseases that can affect the eyes. Millie is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia, another of her nursing passions. She looks forward to sharing insights and helping other nurses to find their passion and confidence in ophthalmology.

Caitlin Shaw RVN – London Vet Specialists

Caitlin graduated from Middlesex University, London in 2024 and moved straight into referral nursing, where she worked as a rotational RVN, expanding her knowledge in advanced anaesthesia, oncology, internal medicine and interventional radiology.

On making the move back to London, Caitlin is excited to be part of London Veterinary Specialists, London’s largest referral centre, and take a dive into the ophthalmology world. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys travelling and live music.