Focused on Care: Inside the Ophthalmology Training Program

At Animal Vision Center of Virginia, specialized eye care for animals goes together with mentorship, collaboration and a deep sense of purpose. In this Q&A, we hear from Dr. Sydney Hall, who recently completed her internship and is now a first-year Ophthalmology Resident, and Dr. Victoria Perez, currently in her third and final year of residency, as they reflect on their experiences training under the guidance of Dr. Heather Brookshire and her resolute team. From complex glaucoma cases to memorable encounters with exotic species, they share what it is like to learn and grow within a practice that feels more like a family—where passion for ophthalmology, patient-centered care and continued learning is at the heart of every day.

Dr. Sydney Hall, DVM Ophthalmology Resident

Why did you choose this internship program in particular?

I was specifically interested in gaining experience in ophthalmology within a private practice setting, and Animal Vision Center of Virginia stood out as a well-established and highly regarded clinic. During the interview process, it quickly became clear that the practice fosters a collaborative, family-like atmosphere among its staff. I was also admire their strong emphasis on client communication and satisfaction, which aligns with my own values in clinical practice.
What has been the most challenging case you have worked on thus far?

Glaucoma cases continue to be some of the most challenging, due to the significant discomfort they cause and the often-guarded, long-term prognosis. Managing these patients requires balancing aggressive medical or surgical intervention with quality-of-life considerations, which can be difficult both technically and emotionally.
How do you balance clinical duties with continuing education or studying?

Having dedicated weekly rounds every Monday has been incredibly helpful in keeping me on track with studying and reinforcing core concepts. I aim to study at least an hour each day during the week and will often devote up to five hours on weekends, especially when preparing for upcoming quizzes or more complex topics. I typically reserve Tuesdays as a day off from studying to recharge and maintain balance.
What skills have you developed the most since starting the internship?

This internship has significantly strengthened my foundational knowledge in ophthalmology and expanded my practical skill set. I have gained hands-on experience with a variety of extraocular surgical techniques and medical treatments, and I have become more confident in developing differential diagnoses and management plans for a broad range of ophthalmic conditions.
What advice would you give to students considering a specialty in ophthalmology?

I would strongly encourage pursuing ophthalmology if this were a field you genuinely enjoy. Passion for the specialty is essential. This path requires a high level of dedication, and it can be mentally and emotionally demanding at times. It is not a specialty to pursue solely for financial reasons. But if you love the work, it is incredibly rewarding.

Dr. Victoria Perez, DVM Ophthalmology Resident

What does a typical week look like for you during residency?

During a typical week as a veterinary ophthalmology resident, I am at one of the Animal Vision Center of Virginia clinics from around 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. I see appointments every day, except Tuesdays, which are reserved for surgeries. I have hour-long rounds on Monday evenings where I meet with other residents, interns and their mentors on Zoom to discuss different topics in ophthalmology and review the latest literature. During my free time, I try to balance studying for boards, watching CE (continuing education) in different topics of veterinary medicine and spending time with my animals and my partner, Kyle.
What ophthalmic procedures do you perform regularly, and which ones are the most challenging?

I routinely perform adnexal (extraocular) procedures, as well as anterior segment (surface of the eye) surgeries. I am also gaining more experience with intraocular surgeries under Dr. Brookshire’s mentorship. The most technically challenging procedure is phacoemulsification and aspiration (cataract surgery). However, certain entropion repairs can be a bit tricky, too, particularly in certain breeds of dogs.
What has been your most memorable or impactful case so far?

All my feathered and scaly patients have been memorable, as I love seeing exotics. But when it comes to impact, I cannot choose a single case. I tend to carry my patients with me, especially those that I see frequently. It means the world having clients trust me with their family members; it is not something I take lightly.
What are your plans following residency?

Fortunately, I will be staying at Animal Vision Center of Virginia following residency! However, I plan on being involved in rescue and shelter medicine, as well.
When you look back on your time at Animal Vision Center of Virginia, what will you remember with fondness?

Hopefully, I will not be going anywhere anytime soon, as Animal Vision Center feels like home. Dr. Brookshire is a true leader, and I am sincerely fortunate to call her my mentor. My coworkers can brighten any day, and they always put patients first, which is incredibly important to me. Plus, we have the cutest office cats!