Original price was: $3,120.00.$2,770.00 (Earlybird price is available until 15 Oct 26)Current price is: $2,770.00. AUD ex. GST
15 in stock
A two-day, hands-on continuing education workshop designed for veterinarians seeking to build confidence in ophthalmic examination, diagnosis and common surgical interventions. The program combines focused lectures with extensive cadaver-based wet lab sessions, ensuring delegates leave with practical, immediately applicable skills.
15 in stock
Foundations of ophthalmic examination and external/adnexal surgical techniques.
Surgical Procedures (Wet-lab):
Understanding the eye from the inside out: anatomy, acute presentations and definitive surgical management.
Surgical Procedures (Wet-lab):
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.
Standardised Diagnostics: Training your team in a “structured ophthalmic exam flow” ensures that subtle pathology (like distichiasis or early glaucoma) isn’t missed, leading to faster diagnoses and better prognostic outcomes.
Emergency Competency: With specific training in acute vision loss and glaucoma stabilisation, your clinic can confidently manage high-pressure ocular emergencies in-house before referral becomes necessary.
Reduced Complication Rates: Mastering margin alignment and specific suture selection reduces the risk of post-operative eyelid deformities or corneal irritation.
By upskilling in these specific areas, you can keep more cases in-house rather than referring them out:
Surgical Retention: Procedures like Hotz-Celsus (entropion), wedge resections (masses), and enucleations are high-value surgeries that can be performed confidently in general practice following this wetlab.
Advanced Equipment Utilisation: Learning to use specialized tools like the Diamond Burr for SCCEDs (indolent ulcers) allows for a higher level of care and billing for common corneal conditions.
Triage Accuracy: Knowing exactly when to manage in-house vs. when to refer improves client trust and optimizes your surgical schedule.
Small-Group Training: With a 2-delegate-per-station ratio, the learning is highly personalised, meaning the skills are “immediately applicable” the Monday you return to the clinic.
Comprehensive Documentation: Wetlab packs including instrument lists and surgical notes serve as a permanent resource for the practice to standardise future ophthalmic protocols.
Definitive Solutions: Mastering enucleation techniques provides a safe, humane, and definitive surgical option for end-stage eyes, reducing long-term, non-productive medical management of painful globes.
Salvage vs. Surgery: The “Globe-Saving Decision Making” session helps vets guide clients through difficult choices, balancing the cost of specialized salvage surgery against the practicality of enucleation.
Risk Mitigation: Specifically learning how to avoid complications like hemorrhage or orbital fat prolapse during enucleation protects the practice from surgical setbacks and prolonged recovery times.
Start date: November 26, 2026
End date: November 27, 2026
End time: 17:00 AEDT
Venue: Advanced Centre for Education (ACE) Facility
Coordinates: -33.8090606251281, 151.14915218091693
Directions: 21 Chaplin Dr, Lane Cove NSW 2066, Australia
Phone: 1800 960 300
Email: info@practicalcpd.com.au
