Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Veterinary Referral Services in Hampshire
Optivet Referrals was established in 2006 by Robert Lowe to provide dedicated specialist veterinary care. Initially focused on ophthalmology, the practice expanded to include internal medicine, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, cardiology, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Our purpose-built hospital in Havant offers state-of-the-art facilities with ample parking for clients. We prioritise patient-centred care through thorough consultation, transparent communication, and evidence-based treatment planning.Our team of specialists and nurses delivers 24/7 emergency ophthalmology services while maintaining strong partnerships with referring veterinarians. We combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to improve animal quality of life, ensuring fair pricing reflects investment in staff training and equipment. Our commitment to continuous professional development maintains our position as Europe's leading specialist-led veterinary ophthalmology referral centre.
Services
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedic Surgery
Internal Medicine
Cardiology
CT Imaging
Equine Ophthalmology
Pain Management
Soft Tissue Surgery
Anaesthesia
Telemedicine
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency ophthalmology service available
- Board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines
- State-of-the-art 128-slice CT imaging technology
- Direct insurance claims processing available
- Multimodal pain management expertise
What people say
Outstanding expertise
Compassionate treatment
Successful vision restoration
Excellent communication
Effective pain management
Services
Ophthalmology
We provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for all ocular conditions using cutting-edge technology. Our team of 6 board-certified specialists performs complex microsurgery including cataract removal and corneal transplants. Patients benefit from our research-driven approach and 24/7 emergency eye care service.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialist-led surgical treatment for fractures, joint disorders, and spinal conditions. Our RCVS and European-recognised surgeons use advanced techniques like TPLO and arthroscopy. We prioritise conservative options first and offer cost-effective treatment packages with direct insurance claims.
Internal Medicine
Comprehensive diagnosis and management of complex medical conditions including gastrointestinal, urinary, and endocrine disorders. Our EBVS and RCVS specialists utilise 128-slice CT imaging and in-house laboratory facilities. We focus on creating affordable treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Cardiology
Specialist diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions using echocardiography, ECG, and CT imaging. Our European Specialist leads outpatient clinics for echocardiograms and provides free telephone advice to referring vets. We focus on practical solutions within client budgets.
CT Imaging
Outpatient CT scanning using our 128-slice Toshiba system. Packages include specialist anaesthesia, imaging, and reporting by veterinary diagnostic imaging specialists. We invoice referring practices directly and offer rapid turnaround with electronic reports within 48 hours.
People
Robert Lowe
Founder
Established Optivet Referrals in 2006 after recognising the need for dedicated ophthalmology referral services. Transformed the practice into Europe's leading specialist-led veterinary ophthalmology centre while maintaining core values of compassionate care.
Andrew Francis
Cardiology Specialist
EBVS European and RCVS Recognised Veterinary Cardiology Specialist leading our cardiology service. Provides expert diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions while offering free telephone advice to referring veterinarians.
Chris Ioannides-Hoey
Internal Medicine Specialist
EBVS European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Focuses on delivering accurate diagnoses and practical treatment plans for complex medical cases while maintaining cost-effectiveness for clients.
Ian Nicholson
Orthopaedic Surgeon
RCVS and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Leads our orthopaedic team with expertise in fracture repairs, joint surgeries, and spinal procedures while maintaining open communication with referring vets.
Eva Rioja Garcia
Anaesthesia Specialist
Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia leading our pain management clinic. Develops tailored treatment plans combining medical management with complementary therapies to improve quality of life for chronic pain sufferers.
Questions
What specialist services do you offer?
We provide ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, CT imaging, pain management, and equine ophthalmology services led by board-certified specialists.
How can my vet refer a case?
Vets can complete our online referral form or contact us directly. We accept referrals for specialist assessment and treatment across all our service areas.
Do you offer emergency care?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency ophthalmology services for referring vets with dedicated out-of-hours support available 365 days a year.
What payment options are available?
We process direct insurance claims for many providers. Payment plans and cost-effective treatment packages are available across our services.
Where are your facilities located?
Our main hospital operates in Havant with additional locations in Devon, Glasgow, and plans for a London clinic opening in late 2025.
