Veterinary Specialists then complete internationally recognised board-level examinations, such as a Diploma or Fellowship, and fulfil further criteria required for specialist recognition. This represents the highest level of professional qualification in a veterinary discipline.

Veterinary Specialists working in Ireland are registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland. The Veterinary Council maintains a Specialist Register, which can be viewed here:

https://www.vci.ie/Register-with-VCI/Veterinary-Specialists-(1)

Referral to a Veterinary Specialist is usually made by your primary care veterinary surgeon. This allows owners to access a high level of expertise for more complex conditions, advanced diagnostics, and specialist treatment.

Postgraduate qualifications in veterinary ophthalmology

There are several levels of postgraduate qualification available to veterinary surgeons with an interest in ophthalmology. General practitioners with a particular interest in the subject may undertake certificate-level qualifications, such as the former RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology (CertVOphthal), the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Ophthalmology (BSAVA PgCertSAOphthal), or the Improve International Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Ophthalmology.

Some veterinary surgeons with certificate-level qualifications see referral cases in ophthalmology. Others go on to complete extensive further training through a formal residency under the supervision of a recognised specialist. After this, they may be eligible to sit board-level examinations such as the ECVO Diploma, ACVO Diploma, or ANZCVS Fellowship in Veterinary Ophthalmology. Only after achieving this level of qualification can they apply for specialist recognition.