Eye cases are seen on a referral basis only and must be referred by a veterinary surgeon. Dogs attending for BVA/KC/ISDS eye testing do not require referral, as these are screening examinations for inherited eye disease in otherwise healthy dogs.

Only procedures relating to the ophthalmic condition will be carried out. The patient will otherwise remain under your care for non-ophthalmic procedures, unless you request otherwise. Where appropriate, follow-up care can be shared back with the referring practice.

If you are seeking a second opinion rather than ongoing ophthalmic management, please indicate this clearly in the referral letter.

When referring, please include:

• owner’s name, address, and mobile telephone number
• patient’s name, signalment, history, and current medications
• a concise summary of the ophthalmic history and relevant clinical findings
• any other relevant clinical information including the patient file
• whether the referral is routine or urgent
• whether the owner will call the clinic to book or if they prefer that our office contacts them directly (with permission)

In most cases, we ask that the owner contacts the clinic directly to arrange the appointment. This allows appointments to be arranged promptly and helps confirm that the owner wishes to proceed. A concise clinical summary in advance is particularly helpful, as it may allow us to identify cases likely to require a procedure or surgery and, where appropriate, advise that a morning fasting appointment is booked if same-day treatment may be possible. This cannot be guaranteed, but we endeavour to reduce repeat travel where possible.