We are so proud of Dr. Heather Brookshire. Inside Business magazine named her as one of Hampton Roads’ top Women in Business for 2020. These awards celebrate women who are successful in their business and careers, while serving as mentors to others and volunteering in their community. It’s no surprise that she was among the impressive list of honorees. In addition to operating one of a few woman-owned veterinary ophthalmology practices in the U.S., Dr. Heather is active among regional, statewide and industry veterinary organizations; hosts educational events to increase awareness of ocular conditions among our region’s general veterinary community; and provides free eye care services to a host of animals, from those at the Virginia Zoo and Virginia Living Museum to pets in need at local animal shelter and rescue organizations. You can read more about Dr. Heather’s work and her advice for women starting their careers in this special edition of Inside Business. Congratulations Dr. Heather, and to all the honorees! What a wonderful achievement.
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — To help animals that emotionally support first responders, the Animal Vision Center of Virginia is offering some free eye screenings during the pandemic. An eye screening that usually costs over one hundred is being given free to pets of first responders and healthcare workers. As our pets age, so do their eyes and for many animals many eye problems can be more prominent depending on their breed. For those healthcare workers interested in a free eye screening for their pets an over the phone or email evaluation of what your pet is going through will be done first and then from there a vet nurse will determine if an appointment is necessary or not. As of now Animal Vision Center of Virginia is doing all they can to abide by the stay at home order by using their telehealth services to see clients.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (INSIDE BUSINESS) —Hampton Roads pet owners might well be connecting with their veterinarians through a smart phone for their pup’s next appointment. Vet visits by way of video call are just one of the ways area pet care businesses are adjusting to life under the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses that service pet needs are taking several steps to prevent the spread of the infection. “We’re just all adapting and doing everything we can to keep both our staff and our clients healthy and safe, while also continuing to provide the care for all of our patients that do need ocular care,” said Heather Brookshire, veterinary ophthalmologist and owner of Animal Vision Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach.
NORFOLK, Va. (WTKR) — One Hampton Roads business is helping serve pet owners amid the coronavirus crisis. Animal Vision Center of Virginia is now offering drive-up telehealth appointments. Many of the practice’s patients – mostly cats and dogs – are being seen for eye conditions that require several stages of follow-up appointments, so it began offering the service on Tuesday. Pet parents simply call the front desk when they arrive, and a veterinary technician comes out to carry the pet from the car to the clinic. If you choose to do an appointment by phone, staff gathers a complete history on the pet’s progress, and the owner can be “present” for the entire exam via live video or voice telemedicine phone conferencing.
Norfolk, Va. (PHILLIPS & PETERS) — As a small business owner, facets of your personality will shine through the company you build, no matter what industry you’re in. As a veterinary ophthalmologist and owner/operator of Animal Vision Center of Virginia, she specializes in eye care treatment for animals so that they can see a better future to live full and healthy lives. In many ways, Dr. Brookshire’s passion for health and wellness has allowed her to build a business that creates a better future for her clients, her employees, and the Coastal Virginia community. Like many veterinarians, Dr. Brookshire had a love for animals from a young age. Growing up in Michigan she spent her time volunteering in animal practices and later started her own dog walking business.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (INSIDE BUSINESS) — I own and operate Animal Vision Center of Virginia. We treat animals of all shapes and sizes with advanced medical and surgical therapy for the eye. I built this business from the ground up and am wholeheartedly grateful for our motivated and compassionate team and the work we do. Throughout my specialized training to become a veterinary ophthalmologist, I have traveled extensively, but my home is here in Virginia Beach with my significant other Chris Ryan, who has been both a major grounding and elevating force in my life. We share our home with two Italian Spinones, Bodhi and Fergus.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (TODAY’S VETERINARY BUSINESS) – A Virginia veterinary ophthalmology practice is diving into telemedicine by offering real-time consultations with clients and referring veterinarians.
Animal Vision Center of Virginia, located in Virginia Beach, reported that it is the first veterinary ophthalmology clinic in the state to use the TeleVet mobile app. Consultations with pet owners require the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Inside Business) – Dr. Heather Brookshire’s decision to specialize in veterinary ophthalmology came into focus after one of her own dogs, a basset hound named Whiskey, developed glaucoma.
While Whiskey did go blind and has since died, Brookshire said that experience instilled in her a desire to help other animals and their owners going through the same thing.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – A Norfolk family lost nearly everything in a fire last month. Everything except for their beloved pet. But the dog did not escape unharmed. It has severe burns to more than half its body. Now the community is stepping up to help this dog get back on its feet. “Her burns were not as evident when she came in,” said Dr. Kimberly Key with Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital. Bella was burned in a house fire December 27 on Norfolk’s A Avenue. Her owner is a single mom with five children.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – May is National Service Animal Awareness Month. This includes dogs and even horses who are trained to assist humans in their every day lives.