North Downs Specialists Referrals in Surrey, has appointed Emily Jeanes, an EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, and Vim Kumaratunga, an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology to its team.

Emily graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2013, then spent three years working in small animal practice.

Having developed a keen interest in ophthalmology, Emily began studying for the BSAVA postgraduate certificate in ophthalmology, then moved to the Animal Health Trust in Suffolk to complete a specialist internship in veterinary ophthalmology.

She then pursued her specialist residency training at the Royal Veterinary College in London and became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmology earlier this year.

She said: “I have a particular interest in microsurgery, particularly corneal and lens surgery, while I also enjoy feline ophthalmology and am interested in uveitis and glaucoma.”

Vim graduated from the University of Bristol in 2005 and spent seven years in a first opinion small animal, mixed and exotics practice in Bristol, gaining his RCVS certificate in veterinary ophthalmology in 2012.

He qualified as an advanced practitioner since 2015, working solely as an ophthalmologist at large private referral hospitals before embarking on a European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO) residency programme at Langford Vets, University of Bristol, in 2019.

He completed his final year of residency training and Master of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in August and is due to sit the ECVO certifying board exams next spring.

Vim said: “I always knew I wanted to become an ophthalmologist, even before I started vet school! It’s a wonderful opportunity to join the NDSR ophthalmology team. 

“I’m interested in all areas of ophthalmology and across all species. I have a particular interest in feline ophthalmology, infectious keratitis, ocular manifestations of systemic disease and wildlife/exotics species ophthalmology.

“I’m also passionate about teaching and mentoring junior vets and undergraduate students. I’ve been the veterinary intern mentor or director for more than 40 interns over the years and I hope to get involved with NDSR’s renowned internship programme.”

Vim will also be doing one day a week working at Southfields Veterinary Specialists at its recently-opened Basildon hospital.

www.ndsr.co.uk 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.