Executive Master in Veterinary Ophthalmology – Module 6

Education: Rick was born in Spain but followed his education in the US and the UK with a BSciBiol in 1994 (STAC, New York), a DVM in 1999 after attending Ross and Louisiana State Universities, a Certificate in Ophthalmology issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2004, DipECVO status in 2007, a veterinary teaching degree (FHEA) through the RVC in 2014, and RCVS Recognized Specialist status in 2016. Work: After obtaining his college and university degrees, Rick commenced his veterinary specialty training in the US in 1999. After obtaining a European veterinary qualification in Barcelona in 2002, he undertook a residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Glasgow and the Eye Veterinary Clinic in the UK, which he completed in 2005. Then, he developed a private ophthalmology practice in Kent until late 2011, when he joined the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) of the University of London to re-establish and direct the Ophthalmology Service and an ECVO Ophthalmology Residency program. He returned to private practice in 2017, settling in Utrecht, The Netherlands (Specialistische Dierenkliniek Utrecht - SDU). Rick lectures around the world. He is an Editorial Board Member of the Veterinary Ophthalmology journal since 2010. He is the Ophthalmology Section Editor of BMC Veterinary Research since 2018. He has contributed the ‘Cornea’ chapter (ch12) to the BSAVA Manual in Ophthalmology and the ‘Eyelid Reconstruction’ chapter (ch6) to the Reconstructive Surgery and Wound Management of the Dog and Cat’, and in 2020 hopes to launch a new textbook entitled ‘An Altas of Small Animal Ocular Surgery’. He has active research interest in the cornea, corneal surgery, cataract surgery and glaucoma (follow the link below to view his current research publication list).

David graduated from the University of Edinburgh, and after a period in general practice moved to the University of Cambridge to complete a PhD in molecular genetics of inherited eye diseases, followed by a clinical residency and then lectureship in veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Bristol. Following this he joined Davies Veterinary Specialists, where he currently leads a 6-person ophthalmology team, including 3 residents. David is Chair of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Examination Committee, overseeing the ECVO specialist exams. He is a member of the UK BVA/KC/ISDS Hereditary Eye Scheme and of its Working Party. David is also eye examiner for the UK Guide Dogs, responsible for eye testing of the UK guide dog breeding stock. David was awarded FRCVS status in 2017 for meritorious contributions to clinical practice.