Ophthalmology

Rick F. Sanchez BScBiol DVM CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS

European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Rick Sanchez joined North Kent Referrals in the spring of 2006 as the second ophthalmologist of this referral practice. Rick is a Spanish national although he pursued most of his education in the United States.

He graduated in 1999 after attending Ross and Louisiana State Universities. He then completed two internships, also in the United States, where he commenced his ophthalmology training. Shortly after, he joined the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), where he obtained his European veterinary qualification in 2002. Since then, Rick has obtained his RCVS certificate in ophthalmology and has completed his residency training at the University of Glasgow and Eye Veterinary Clinic (Herefordshire). He became a Diploma holder for the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2007.

Rick's areas of personal interest are continuing education for veterinarians (he is often invited to give lectures in the UK and abroad) as well as corneal and cataract surgery, and has presented part of this work in several international meetings. Some of his research work includes publications related to canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and the effects of commonly used sedatives on tear production. Ongoing work includes a study on iridociliary epithelial tumours in cats as well as a study on the combination of surgical and medical treatment of KCS related corneal disease in dogs.

Rick's publications:

Effects of medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol combination on Schirmer tear test 1 readings in dogs

Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: disease trends in a review of 229 cases