Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Robert Lowe
Robert graduated from Bristol University in 1998 having already developed an interest in ophthalmology. After a 2 year postion in mixed practice, he undertook a 3 year residency at Bristol in equine ophthalmology gaining his Certificate in Ophthalmology in 2002.

He then spent the next 3 years working with Martyn King in a private small animal ophthalmology referral practice in Hampshire before Martyn moved back to Australia and Robert took on the referral business opening as Optivet Referrals in 2006.

Outside of the consulting room he gets to run around after 2 small children constantly or an oval ball on a rare occasion.

“Optivet Referrals is the manifestation of my long-term dream and belief that veterinary referrals can be friendly yet professional, value for money yet cutting edge and above all a place you can feel happy that your pet gets the highest level of care”

Georgina Gent
Georgie qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2005. Having completed a 5 week elective in Ophthalmology during her final year she has continued to cultivate a keen interest in Ophthalmology. Georgie is registered for the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and will be sitting the exams in 2009. She joined Optivet in October 2008 following 3 years in general practice.

“My interest in Ophthalmology began before I had even applied to Vet School but was cemented during my final year elective when I first had the opportunity to closely examine eyes. Since then I have undertaken courses both in the UK and USA in order to increase my knowledge and develop skills in this area. Joining the team at Optivet will allow me to focus my efforts and progress in my career as a Veterinary Ophthalmologist.”

Ida Louise Gilbert
Ida Louise Gilbert graduated from Bristol Veterinary School in 1995. Following two years in mixed practice she decided to commit to her interests in ophthalmology and moved to a large veterinary hospital in Swindon, where she gained her RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2001. Her second child was born shortly afterthe examinations and she has since been an ambulatory ophthalmologist seeing both small animal and equine referral cases in 7-8 different veterinary practices.

Ida is now a highly experienced ophthalmologist and she joined Optivet Referrals on a part-time basis in June 2007.

On days off she is a keen gardener and enjoys walking her Hungarian Vizsla, Hattie. Her talents also extend to baking delicious Norwegian cinnamon buns and cakes for her children’s hockey and rugby teams and for any other good causes.

“Optivet is a fantastic place to work with a strong focus on achieving the highest standards of medicine and surgery within a friendly environment. I’d like to think that we are the first port of call for ophthalmology referrals in the South of England.”