St Clair Vets run an Eye referral Service from their Kirkcaldy branch 5 days a week. They also offer appointments at Braid Vets in Edinburgh, every Wednesday. The service is run by Dr. Neil Geddes and Dr. Julia Henken. Both vets are RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Veterinary Ophthalmology and both hold post graduate qualifications in Ophthalmology, in addition to their veterinary degrees.
The service has been running for more than 20 years. It offers small animal and equine consultations, as well as operating, to animals throughout Scotland. Initial consultations are normally 30 minutes long, whilst follow-up consultations last 15 minutes.
The Ophthalmology service offers surgical solutions for eyelid, corneal and intra-ocular conditions. Commonly we see patients with Entropion / Ectropion [ eyelid deformity ] ; Distichiasis / trichiasis [ in-growing or aberrant eyelashes ]; Corneal Ulcers; Corneal Grafts; Uveal Cysts and Cataracts.
Most surgery is performed as a `day-case`, with the majority of pets allowed to go home by 5pm. More complex surgery, including cataract surgery, requires an overnight stay.
Cataract surgery is performed weekly and involves the removal of the cataract using Phacoemulsification and the implantation of a prosthetic lens. Cataract surgery success rate is currently 90%.
Referral to the Ophthalmology service is normally done via your veterinary surgeon/ practice. We aim to see urgent cases within 24 hours. A same day referral service is available for emergencies.
Consultations and Surgery can be arranged by phoning reception on 01592 599500 or e-mailing
From the first time, I entered the surgery with my somewhat eccentric Staffie Miki with an eye ulcer to the last time I entered on Boxing Day to have to make the decision to put my boy to sleep, I wish I could rate you all more than a 5. The care has always been second to none and no more so on that day. Patience, kindness and understand and more so gentleness as you covered my boy and laid him to rest while we soothed and comforted him. You made a heart-breaking day a little more bearable.
Christine Bett
