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Focus Referrals is a dedicated specialist-led veterinary ophthalmology referral service for dogs, cats and rabbits. We are based at our state-of-the-art clinic in Banbury, providing convenient access from the M40.

We welcome pets from all over the UK for consultations in ophthalmological problems. We perform advanced ophthalmological surgeries in our purpose built surgical suites including cataract surgery, eyelid/facial reconstructions, corneal grafts, cherry eye repositioning and diode laser treatment.

What makes Focus Referrals different?

The best things come in the smallest packages!

Focus Referrals is a small referral centre compared to many others in the UK. The advantages of our smaller scale are:

  • We are able to offer a more personalised approach to every patient, owner and referring vet, keeping good communication at the forefront of everything we do.
  • The clinic provides a calm environment, compared to many other busy hospitals, as less animals are together at any one time.
  • We can allow plenty of time to do things properly. This allows us to take care of each patient with the empathy, careful decision making and high quality clinical skills which each one of them deserves.

We concentrate entirely on eyes

Focus Referrals deals entirely with eyes (apart from a couple of times a month where a like minded cardiology specialist makes use of our hospital for out-patient clinics). This means that every member of staff is dedicated to ophthalmological care and our facilities are designed with the best possible care of eyes in mind.

We are run by vets

Focus Referrals was set up by two vets who wanted to do things well - both for the patients they treat, the vets who refer them and for the people they employ.

We try to make the decisions that we feel are the best for everyone! We believe in being transparent in our pricing and charging a price that reflects the advanced nature of the service we provide but that we feel is reasonable and not inflated.

We are specialist led

The word 'specialist' in veterinary medicine refers specifically to a veterinary surgeon who has gained rigorous training from other specialists, had years of experience in their specific field, passed the highest level of examination to become a diplomate and then continued to be monitored to ensure their knowledge meets the standards required to meet the 'specialist status'.

Mike Rhodes, the founder of Focus Referrals, is one of a limited number of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in the UK to achieve specialist status, being both a RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology. He is able to use his knowledge and years of experience to lead our carefully chosen clinical team. Mike is also an appointed eye panellist, which means he can issue official BVA/KC/ISDS eye test certificates for the Eye Scheme.

Mike leads a clinical team, including our veterinary resident James, board certified clinician Cat, advanced practitioners Helen and Mark plus five Registered Veterinary nurses, who provide the highest possible standard of care to every patient.

To find out more about the qualifications of our clinical team please visits our FAQs.

  • So pleased with the expertise and gentleness

    Took my guniea pig, Ozzy after referral from my regular vet. So pleased with the expertise and gentleness of the vet I saw (Cat), they are worth the money and I felt like Ozzy was in good hands.

    She pressure tested, dye tested both eyes and took a biopsy. Don't have the all clear yet, but feeling less anxious about the outcome. Would absolutely recommend using them.

    Ozzy's owner
  • The team at Focus Referrals were fantastic!

    Helen and the rest of the team at Focus Referrals were fantastic. The team showed kindness and understanding and we were provided clear advice at all times throughout the process.

    Minerva's recovery has been fantastic to see - she has gone from a sad and confused kitty back to her usual meowsy self in less than two weeks, and since then the improvements have been incredible. Thank you!

    David
  • I would highly recommend Focus Referrals

    We (my cat and I) had a great experience. The place was clean and tidy, the staff that we met were very friendly and helpful. The visit was pleasant for my cat. The vet was very good with him. She treated him gently, even trying to let him come out of the cage on his own.

    Even though he didn't want to come out of his safe space, the vet was gentle in getting him out of the cage. The tests were carried out with a calming experience. I was really pleased with the professionalism of the vet and the entire experience. I would highly recommend Focus Referrals if your pet needs treatment here.

    Ian
  • 5 stars all round...

    Having been referred by our local vets to Focus due to prolonged healing issues following eye removal surgery on our beloved little old lady cat, Jessie, it was obvious from the minute we met the amazing Focus team, that we were in the best hands.

    Helen (ably assisted by a very experienced and kind nurse) was so thorough in her examination, explaining risks and benefits of further surgery and identifying new issues which would need to be addressed. Jessie came through her op with flying colours. Amazingly neat and beautiful wound stitching which has been admired by Jessie's many post op visitors. We were given a comprehensive explanation of both the post-op meds regime, tests results and recommendations for our local vets to improve other aspects of our cat's health.

    I cannot thank Focus Referrals enough. They really are the gold standard in technical and compassionate care.

    Jessie's owner
  • We have received first class service and attention!

    We can't thank the staff at Focus Referrals enough for what they have done for our Dexter, especially James. Dexter, has had his cataracts removed in both eyes, due to diabetes, and from our very first visit, we have received first class service and attention.

    Since surgery, Dexter is making great progress and has been given a new lease of life, with his confidence growing. I would highly recommend this practice. Thank you all at focus referrals for your kind and continued support, for Dexter and us.

    Deb
  • Empathy and professionalism

    Helen saved my cats eye. He had a corneal ulcer and our vets referred us as they feared he may end up needing eye removal. Helen was able to treat his eye medically and he has made a full recovery with both eyes and able to see perfectly fine.

    Throughout the process, we were treated with empathy and professionalism. My cat was understandably nervous, and Helen and the lovely nurse assisting her handled him so well, they were fully prepared with Feliway plugged in, dreamies on hand, and a litter tray.

    They were a breath of fresh air during a stressful time and I'm forever grateful for them saving my boys eye.

    Gemma
  • This specialist eye veterinary practice is wonderful!

    This specialist eye veterinary practice is wonderful! The vet we saw was super knowledgeable and very kind. The vet nurse staff were also great. My dog is quite nervous and everyone really made him feel comfortable and unafraid. His eye condition is improving. I warmly recommend.

    Kate
  • Professional, yet friendly and approachable!

    Thank you to Mike and team for the fantastic care you have given to Monty! As a fellow vet nurse and pet owner, I highly recommend Focus Referrals! As a practice they are professional yet friendly and approachable which is great asset to have in any practice.

    Monty's owner

Focus Referrals

Focus Referrals, OX16 1TG, UKTelephone: 01295 238160
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