Qualifications and what they mean

We believe qualifications should be understandable. The information below explains what our training means in practice.

Natasha Mitchell MVB MANZCVS DVOphthal MRCVS

MVB is the primary veterinary degree awarded by University College Dublin. Natasha holds the RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology (DVOphthal), awarded in 2011. This is the highest clinical qualification awarded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in this discipline. She is a Veterinary Council of Ireland Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, an appointed panellist for the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme, and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS).

She is also a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS), reflecting advanced knowledge and experience in a defined area of veterinary science. In addition to her clinical work, Natasha is involved in the postgraduate training of veterinarians in ophthalmology through supervision and mentoring within structured residency and fellowship pathways.

Abi Dunkley BVSc PgCertSAOphthal MRCVS

BVSc is the primary veterinary degree awarded by the University of Pretoria. Abi has been awarded the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Ophthalmology, a formal postgraduate qualification that reflects additional focused training, study, and assessment in this field. She is continuing her advanced postgraduate training in veterinary ophthalmology through a structured residency programme and is a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS).

What do these qualifications mean?

Veterinary ophthalmology involves several levels of postgraduate training. Certificate-level qualifications reflect advanced study in the discipline, while specialist recognition follows several years of supervised residency training together with internationally recognised board-level examinations. For owners and referring veterinary surgeons, this means access to advanced expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of eye disease.