Post-Graduate Training
For those veterinary surgeons that have a keen interest in veterinary ophthalmology and are looking to undergo further post-graduate training then the following options are available:
European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO) approved residency programmes are available within the following UK based referral centres
- Davies Veterinary Specialists
- Dick White Referrals
- University of Edinburgh
- Eye Veterinary Clinic
- Focus Referrals
- Optivet Referrals
- The Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre
- Royal Veterinary College
- South Devon Referrals
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service
The residency is a three to four-year structured training position with successful candidates then qualifying to sit the European Diploma examination. Prerequisites to be eligible for a residency position include that they have successfully completed a one-year rotating internship or have acquired equivalent experience in general practice. The European Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology has replaced the RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology and allows the diplomat to apply for RCVS specialist status. Alternative route ECVO residency programs also exist. For more details see:
https://www.ecvo.org/residents/current-residency-training-programmes.html
The BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in small animal ophthalmology offers a structured programme of study for veterinary surgeons working in first opinion practice. The programme combines day courses with online study and the qualification is validated through Nottingham Trent University. The BSAVA Postgraduate Certificates are also approved as a certificate-level qualification for the purposes of the RCVS Advanced Practitioner list. For more details see:
https://www.bsava.com/Education/Postgraduate-Certificates
The Improve International GPCert(Opthal) modular training programme has been accredited by the European School of Postgraduate Veterinary Studies and validated by Harper Adams University. For more details see:
https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/pgc-gpcert-small-animal-ophthalmology/
There are also veterinary ophthalmology organisations that veterinary surgeons can join (not including BrAVO) that organise regular CPD meetings including:
European Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology
The ESVO was established in 1985 in order to promote veterinary ophthalmology. Since it has expanded to become the largest European associated devoted to this discipline, with hundreds of members from virtually every European country.
International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology
This organisation promotes the worldwide exchange of information relating to the eye and vision in domestic and native animal species.
http://www.wsava.org/association/isvo
International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium
This relatively new organisation promotes the sharing of knowledge in the study and practice of equine ophthalmology all over the world.
Finally, there is a bi-annual basic science course in veterinary ophthalmology held at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. The William Magrane Basic Science Course in Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology is organised by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and lasts for just over 2 weeks.