Meet the team

Dr Emily Perry

DVM, Ophthalmology Resident

Emily is originally from California, where she completed her undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of California, Davis. She moved to Sydney to undertake the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the University of Sydney, which she completed in December of 2021. Following that, she completed an Emergency and Critical Care Internship followed by a rotating internship in Sydney.

She then moved back to the U.S. to complete a specialty ophthalmology internship at Bliss Animal Eye Care in Oregon. She has now moved back to Sydney to undertake a residency in ophthalmology with Eye Clinic for Animals. Emily has particular interest in corneal disease, including tear film disorders, as well as comparative ophthalmology.

Publications:

– Reynolds, B. D., H. G. Nagel, E. Perry, C. J. Whittaker, K. A. Caruso, M. J. Annear, W. M. Irving et al. “Ophthalmic findings associated with Australian tick paralysis (holocyclotoxicity) in hospitalized domestic dogs and cats.” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).
– Reynolds, B. D., E. Perry, H. G. Nagel, C. J. Whittaker, K. A. Caruso, M. J. Annear, W. M. Irving et al. “Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus.” Australian Veterinary Journal (2024).
– Perry E, Davies C, McCarthy P. Nasal and ocular Hirudiniasis in a dog. Australian Veterinary Journal (2022).
– Davis BE, Komoroske LM, Hansen MJ, Poletto JB, Perry EN, Miller NA, Ehlman SM, Wheeler SG, Sih A, Todgham AE, Fangue NA. “Juvenile rockfish show resilience to CO2-acidification and hypoxia across multiple biological scales”, Conservation
Physiology. vol 6 no, 1, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coy038.

Presentations:

– Comparative ocular anatomy of the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) and the Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Conference. 2023
– Juvenile rockfish show resilience to CO2-acidification and hypoxia across multiple biological scales. UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference. 2017

Dr Paul McCarthy

BSc DVM Ophthalmology Registrar

Paul graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Sydney in 2020. Following graduation, Paul completed a multidisciplinary internship at Northside Veterinary Specialists, followed by an ophthalmology internship and residency with the Eye Clinic for Animals.

Paul has an interest in research with his current focuses in the areas of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) and the ophthalmic anatomy of Australian Marsupials.

Paul provides lectures, tutorials and practicals to the University of Sydney DVM 2 and 3 classes.

Professional Experience:

· 2022-2025: ABVO approved Ophthalmology Residency, Eye Clinic for Animals, Sydney.

· 2021-2022: Ophthalmology Internship, Eye Clinic for Animals, Sydney.

· 2020-2021: Rotating Internship, Northside Veterinary Specialists, Sydney.

Scholarships & Awards:

· 2024: VAF Resident Research Grant; Vision for Animals Foundation (VAF).

· 2015: Dean’s Medal; Bachelor of Science

· 2015, 2014: Dean’s Merit List; Bachelor of Science

Scholarships & Awards:

· McCarthy P, Whittaker C, Annear M, Hall E, Hamzianpour N, Irving W, Reynolds B, Smith J, Thomasy S, Caruso K. Parasiticide use and obesity in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024.

· Irving W, McCarthy P, Reynolds B, Whittaker C, Caruso K, Smith J, Annear M. Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2024.

· Irving W, Annear M, Whittaker C, Caruso K, Reynolds B, McCarthy P, Smith J. Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2023

· Perry E, Davies C, McCarthy P. Nasal and ocular Hirudiniasis in a dog. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2022

· McCarthy P, Chau A. Accidental arterial catheterisation during a maxillary nerve block using a modified infraorbital approach in a dog. Veterinary Record Case Reports. 2020

Dr William Irving

BVSc DACVO

William graduated veterinary science from James Cook University, Townsville, in 2017. Following university, he completed the Queensland Veterinary Specialist rotating internship in 2018 in Brisbane, then 2 years of emergency and critical care work with Pet Emergency and general practice work within Brisbane.

He then moved to Sydney and worked as an Ophthalmology Intern at Animal Referral Hospital. William completed his specialist residency training with the Eye Clinic for Animals from 2021-2023 and was awarded his diplomat status with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2024.

Will has a particular interest in cataract surgery and corneal grafting and reconstruction.

Publications:

– Irving, William, Paul McCarthy, Benjamin Reynolds, Cameron Whittaker, Kelly Caruso, Jeff Smith, and Matthew Annear. “Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs.” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).

– Irving, William M., Kelly Caruso, Matthew J. Annear, Cameron Whittaker, Benjamin D. Reynolds, Paul MG McCarthy, and Jeffrey Smith. “Free labial mucocutaneous graft for eyelid reconstruction in four dogs.” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).

– Irving, William, Cameron Whittaker, Kelly Caruso, Benjamin Reynolds, Paul McCarthy, and Jeff Smith. “Bullous keratopathy in a dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus).” Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 47 (2023): 23-26.

– Irving, William, Matthew Annear, Cameron Whittaker, Kelly Caruso, Benjamin Reynolds, Paul McCarthy, and Jeff Smith. “Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery.” Veterinary Ophthalmology 27, no. 2 (2024): 148-157.

– Reynolds, B. D., M. J. Annear, K. A. Caruso, C. J. Whittaker, W. M. Irving, P. M. McCarthy, and J. S. Smith. “Feline distichiasis treated with cryoepilation: A retrospective study of 15 cats (27 eyes).” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).

– Reynolds, B. D., H. G. Nagel, E. Perry, C. J. Whittaker, K. A. Caruso, M. J. Annear, W. M. Irving et al. “Ophthalmic findings associated with Australian tick paralysis (holocyclotoxicity) in hospitalized domestic dogs and cats.” Veterinary Ophthalmology (2024).

– Reynolds, B. D., E. Perry, H. G. Nagel, C. J. Whittaker, K. A. Caruso, M. J. Annear, W. M. Irving et al. “Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus.” Australian Veterinary Journal (2024).

– Ranocchia, J., W. Irving, and B. Haase. “Exclusion of previously described variant in LTBP2 for primary glaucoma in Australian Burmese cats.” Animal Genetics 54, no. 5 (2023): 657-658.

– Caruso, Kelly A., Benjamin D. Reynolds, Cameron J. Whittaker, Jeffrey S. Smith, William M. Irving, Paul G. McCarthy, Negar Hamzianpour, and Gladys Boo. “Use of subdermal hyaluronic acid injections and a free labial mucocutaneous graft for the repair of feline eyelid agenesis.” Veterinary Ophthalmology 25, no. 3 (2022): 209-218.

– Reynolds, Benjamin D., Cameron Whittaker, Kelly Caruso, Matthew J. Annear, Negar Hamzianpour, William Irving, Paul MG McCarthy, and Jeffrey S. Smith. “An investigation into the development of qualitative tear film disorders in dogs following cryoepilation for distichiasis.” Veterinary Ophthalmology 26 (2023): 168-172.

Presentations:

– Clinical Outcomes of Empirical Selection of Chloramphenicol and Ofloxacin in the Treatment of Keratomalacia. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Conference. 2020

– Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Conference. 2021

– Clinical features of primary glaucoma in Australian Burmese cats. Australian College of Veterinary Sciences’ Science Week Conference. 2022

– Canine Eyelid Reconstruction Using a Free Labial Mucocutaneous Graft Following Large Mass Resection. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Conference. 2023

– Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs). Australian College of Veterinary Sciences’ Science Week Conference. 2023

Associate Professor Alex Hunyor

MB BS (Hons), FRANZCO, FRACS Human Ophthalmology Professor

A/Prof Alex Hunyor is a retinal specialist with expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and macular disease. He graduated with Honours from Sydney University Medical School in 1990, and trained in ophthalmology at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) in Melbourne. He was awarded both the Cedric Cohen and the Ken Howsam Medals for excellence in the RANZCO examinations, and the RANZCO-ARVO and RANZCO-Sigma Scholarships. He then undertook 3½ years of subspecialty training in medical and surgical retina at RVEEH, the Casey Eye Institute (Portland, Oregon USA) and with Professor JDM Gass at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN). Alex returned to practice in Sydney in 2000.

Alex is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and member of the Macular Research Group at the Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney. He is involved in numerous clinical trials for treatment of retinal diseases. He is one of the principal investigators in the Australian Macular Hole Study and the Fight Retinal Blindness project.

He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Retinal Specialists, Oceania Retina Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). He is the Australian international delegate to the ASRS. Alex serves on the Medical Board of the Macular Degeneration Foundation, and is a Governor on the Board of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation.

Alex is an examiner for the RANZCO Advanced Clinical Examinations, Chair of the RANZCO Medicare Advisory Committee, and is involved in teaching of local ophthalmic trainees and ophthalmologists as well as participating in education of overseas specialists through the RANZCO International Development Programme. He has received the RANZCO Award for Excellence in Training on 5 occasions. He has given many lectures at local and international scientific meetings, has over 40 peer-reviewed publications, and serves as a reviewer for several ophthalmic journals as well as the Medical Journal of Australia.

Dr Kelly Caruso

BSc, VMD, MACVSc, DACVO

Kelly Caruso is a dedicated and pioneering Veterinary Ophthalmologist, and the proud owner and operator of the Eye Clinic for Animals Australia.

Born and raised in the USA, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She then completed internships in Equine Medicine and Surgery, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. Kelly then completed a residency under the tutelage of Professor Seth Koch – one of the founding members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) – and was granted Membership of that body in 2007.

In 2010 Kelly relocated to Australia, bringing her expertise and passion for animal eye health to a new continent. Working alongside a talented team of ophthalmologists, including her husband Dr. Cameron Whittaker, Kelly has made significant strides in veterinary ophthalmology. Together, they have two children, and share their home with three dogs and two cats, embodying their love and commitment to animals both professionally and personally.

Kelly’s career is distinguished by her innovative contributions to the field. She has pioneered a groundbreaking technique utilising Restylane (filler) for reconstructing eyelid defects, addressing congenital conditions in cats born without eyelids. Her innovative approach has set new standards in veterinary surgery and improved the quality of life for countless animals.

In a historic achievement, Kelly, Cameron, and their resident Dr. Gladys Boo were the first in the world to perform a corneal endothelial transplant in veterinary medicine. This revolutionary procedure, known as Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK), offers new hope for treating Corneal Endothelial Degeneration (CED), a condition akin to Fuchs’ Endothelial Cell Degeneration in humans.

Recognising the anatomical differences between species, Kelly and Cameron also developed specialised instruments for canine patients. The HENSLA series represents their personal and professional dedication to advancing veterinary care.

Passionate about teaching and collaboration in medicine and surgery, Kelly believes firmly in excellence without compromise. Her commitment to education is evident in the multiple teaching awards she has received for her exceptional ability to guide interns and residents in treating eye conditions.

Kelly believes in giving back to the specialty that has shaped her career, emphasizing the importance of research. This dedication is reflected in her numerous publications that contribute to the advancement of veterinary ophthalmology.

Kelly’s life is a testament to her passion for enhancing the vision and overall well-being of animals. Her innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to drive her contributions to the field, making a profound impact on the lives of both her patients and her colleagues.

Publications:

– Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2024

– Free labial mucocutaneous graft for eyelid reconstruction in four dogs. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024

– Feline distichiasis treated with cryoepilation: A retrospective study of 15 cats (27 eyes). Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024

– Ophthalmic findings associated with Australian tick paralysis (holocyclotoxicity) in hospitalized domestic dogs and cats. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024

– Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024

– An investigation into the development of qualitative tear film disorders in dogs following cryoepilation for distichiasis. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2022

– Textbook chapter: “Ophthalmology of Marsupials” and “Ophthalmology of Monotremes”. Wild and Exotic Animal Ophthalmology. 2022

– Use of subdermal hyaluronic acid injections and a free labial mucocutaneous graft for the repair of feline eyelid agenesis. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2021

– Use of a chronic soft tissue expansion device to facilitate blepharoplasty in a horse with lower-lid cicatricial ectropion with a 14-year follow-up. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2020

– Progressive visual loss and severe retinal degeneration in a captive Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos mettendorfi). Vet Record. 2020

– Surgical approach to a nasolacrimal duct atresia in a German Shepherd Puppy. Australian Veterinary Practitioner. 2020

– Microsporidial stromal keratitis in a cat. Medical Mycology Case Reports. 2020

– Retinal cone photoreceptor distribution of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). The Anatomical Record. 2020

– Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2023

– Recurrent corneal hemangiosarcoma in a cat with subsequent extension into the orbit. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2021

– Optical coherence tomography of the retina, nerve fiber layer, and optic nerve head in dogs with glaucoma. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2019

– Early postoperative results of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty in six dogs with corneal endothelial dystrophy. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2019

– Development of a vision impairment score for the assessment of functional vision in dogs: Initial evidence of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2019

– A forced-choice preferential looking task for the assessment of vision in dogs: pilot study. JSAP 2018

Dr Jeffrey S Smith

BVSc, FACVSc, DACVO

Jeff graduated from Sydney University in 1970 and after 3 years in general practice completed a residency in Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology at Cornell University and was granted Diplomate status of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1977. Returning to Australia in 1978 Jeff gained Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Canine Medicine and in 1983 become a Fellow of the ACVSc in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Since that time Jeff has been responsible for setting up the oldest continually operating veterinary ophthalmology practice (Eye Clinic for Animals) in Australia. He has served as Vice President and President of the Australian Veterinary Association(NSW division) and is on the Editorial Board of The Veterinarian and of the Australian Veterinary Journal.

Jeff currently provides lectures and tutorials for students at Sydney University in ophthalmic medicine, surgery and pathology as well as providing specialist ophthalmology services to small, large and exotic animals in Sydney and regional areas of NSW.

Publications:

Smith, JS., Bistner, S., Riis, R. Infiltrative corneal lesions resembling fibrous histiocytoma: clinical and pathological findings in six dogs and one cat. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1976; 169: 722 – 766.

Smith, J.S., deLahunta, A., Riis, R.C. Reticulosis of the visual system in a dog. J Small Anim Prac. 1977: 18:643.

Barnes, JA., Smith JS. Bilateral phacofragmentation in a New Zealand fur seal. J. Wildlife Med. 2004: 35, 1: 110-112.

Smith, JS. Diseases of the Orbit. In Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy VI 624 – 628, 1978.

Smith, JS. Blindness – An overview. Hungerford’s Diseases of Livestock 1692 -1698, 1990.

Smith, JS, Harper,PAW. Ophthalmologic manifestations of ceroid lipofuscinosis in Devon Cattle. Trans Eighteenth Annual Scientific Program American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. 44 – 49, 1987.

Smith, JS. Optic neuropathies. Small Animal Secrets. Ed. Ronald Riis, 2001.

Center, SA, Smith, JS. Ocular lesions in a dog with serum hyperviscosity secondary to an IgA myeloma. J. Am. Vet Med Assoc. 181: 811.1982.

Smith, JS. Clinical Veterinary Advisor. Birds and Exotic Pets. Ed. Elsevier Saunders, St Louis . Missouri, 2013.

Team

THE TEAM

Dr Jeffrey S Smith

Dr Cameron J G Whittaker

Dr Kelly Caruso

Dr William Irving

Dr Paul McCarthy

Dr Mayara Galetti

Dr Emily Perry

Dr Keely Wilson

Dr Fernando Martinez-Taboada

Associate Professor Alex Hunyor

Andrea

Hollie

Adam

Jade

Michaela

Brandi

Kristy

Isabella

Jess

Zac

Katja

Katrina

Dru

Lauren

Jennifer Vo

Sarah