FAQs

Can I refer my pet directly to Focus Referrals?

No. You can book your own appointment online but your own veterinary surgeon needs to be involved. Your vet provides us with your pets medical history including current medication and any recent test results.

Will my own vet know what has happened to my pet while in your care?

Yes. We will contact your vet with a letter explaining in detail our findings, any procedures performed and our suggested plan for your pet's ongoing care.

Will my pet need to stay the night?

If your pet has a surgical procedure carried out we would always aim to get them home on the same evening. However, sometimes our patients need to stay with us overnight to fully recover from the sedation/general anaesthetic. We will keep you updated during the day as to whether this is likely to be the case.

What qualifications do the veterinary surgeons treating my pet have?

As with human medical care, there are different levels of expertise that veterinary surgeons can achieve. At Focus Referrals, our service is 'specialist led' meaning that all clinical decisions are overseen by a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology.

Specialist

Mike Rhodes is a recognised 'Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' and European Specialist, meaning he has gained the highest level of recognition of expertise that can be achieved in clinical veterinary ophthalmology. To become a specialist you have to train directly under other specialists for a minimum of 3 years and publish clinical research in order to be eligible to sit the exams to become a Diplomate. Specialist status has to be reaccredited every 5 years, which means the specialist has to demonstrate that they are up-to-date and still leading in their field.

www.yourvetspecialist.org This link takes you to British College of Veterinary Specialists where you can check whether the vet you are seeing is a Veterinary Specialist and find out more.

Resident

We are very proud to have been approved to run a European Residency program in Ophthalmology so that veterinary surgeons can train with us to become specialists in the future. A resident is a qualified veterinary surgeon who is undergoing intensive training (normally over a period of 3 years) from a specialist in order to be eligible to sit their exams and hopefully become a Diplomate.

Advanced Practitioner

Qualified vets can also study and take an exam to become a certificate holder or advanced practitioner. This gives them extra knowledge and expertise in a certain subject area. This qualification can be achieved alongside working in general practice.

Who will be taking care of my pet?

Your pet will be under the care of our specialist clinician Mike, veterinary resident James, veterinary advanced practitioner Helen and our team of registered veterinary nurses. To find out more about them click here.

Behind the scenes, your pet will be taken outside to toilet (if appropriate), offered food and given the attention and reassurance to make sure they are comfortable during their stay.

Can I return unused medications?

We encourage the return of unused medicines, that have been dispensed from this practice, to ensure safe disposal by a licensed operator without contamination of the environment.

In accordance with best practice dispensing guidelines, we are unable to provide a refund for the return of these medications. This is because as we cannot resell them as we are unable to guarantee that recommended storage practices have been followed and this risks harm to another patient.

Emergency care

In the case of an emergency, please see your own vet first who can then make the appropriate arrangements with Focus Referrals directly.

If your pet has had surgery at Focus Referrals, guidance for emergency support will be provided during the discharge of your pet and details can also be found on your discharge instructions.