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Maternity leave notice

Thank you for visiting Bright Eye Veterinary Care. I am currently taking some maternity leave and not accepting any referrals during this period.

I look forward to returning to provide referral ophthalmology services again at the end of Autumn 2026. If you would like to be notified when referrals re-open, please check back here or follow us on social media for updates!

Animal Eye Specialists

Bright Eye Veterinary Care, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch ophthalmology services specifically designed for your beloved pets. Our expert team ensures that furry friends receive the highest of care and attention for their eye health, helping them see the world more clearly. Your pet well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide compassionate and specialised care every step of the way.

Pet and small animal ophthalmology

Providing ophthalmic care to a range of patients

Read our patient success stories

friendly comprehensive ophthalmic examinations

A friendly ,no rush approach to examinations

Ophthalmic surgeries tailored to individual needs

Providing excellent pre and post operative care to ensure the comfort of patients

seamless referral process

All referrals processed swiftly and after care instructions shared with referring practice.

About Bright Eye Veterinary Care

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Dr Susan Neill

BVSc PGCertSAOphthal MRCVS

Read more about us

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As I head off on maternity leave next week, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Bright Eye Veterinary Care. 💚

To all the veterinary practices who have trusted me with your ophthalmology referrals, and to all the wonderful owners who have brought their pets to see me – thank you. It has been a privilege to help care for so many amazing patients over the past year.

Starting Bright Eye Veterinary Care has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m so grateful for the support, encouragement and confidence you’ve shown in a new referral service.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be swapping my slit lamp for baby cuddles as we prepare to welcome our newest little family member! ❤️

Bright Eye Veterinary Care will be taking a short break while I’m on maternity leave, but I look forward to returning and continuing to provide specialist ophthalmology care for pets across Northern Ireland.

Thank you again for all your support. Wishing you and your furry companions all the very best, and I’ll see you again soon!

Dr Susan Neill BVSc PGCertSAOphthal MRCVS
Bright Eye Veterinary Care 👁️🐾

As I head off on maternity leave next week, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Bright Eye Veterinary Care. 💚

To all the veterinary practices who have trusted me with your ophthalmology referrals, and to all the wonderful owners who have brought their pets to see me – thank you. It has been a privilege to help care for so many amazing patients over the past year.

Starting Bright Eye Veterinary Care has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m so grateful for the support, encouragement and confidence you’ve shown in a new referral service.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be swapping my slit lamp for baby cuddles as we prepare to welcome our newest little family member! ❤️

Bright Eye Veterinary Care will be taking a short break while I’m on maternity leave, but I look forward to returning and continuing to provide specialist ophthalmology care for pets across Northern Ireland.

Thank you again for all your support. Wishing you and your furry companions all the very best, and I’ll see you again soon!

Dr Susan Neill BVSc PGCertSAOphthal MRCVS
Bright Eye Veterinary Care 👁️🐾

✨ Meet Ruby ✨

This gorgeous 14-year-old West Highland Terrier was referred to me with only one remaining eye following an enucleation several years ago. When that eye developed an ulcer that wasn’t responding to treatment, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

On examination, Ruby was diagnosed with keratomalacia—more commonly known as a melting corneal ulcer. This is a rapidly progressive condition where enzymes begin to break down the cornea, putting the eye at real risk of perforation and vision loss. Prompt, aggressive treatment is essential.

With intensive topical medication alongside oral treatment, Ruby’s eye gradually began to turn the corner. The blue corneal oedema visible in the first photo had already resolved within the first week, and over the following weeks healthy blood vessels and granulation tissue helped rebuild the ulcer bed, allowing the cornea to regain its strength.

Just as importantly, we investigated why the ulcer had developed in the first place. Ruby was started on treatment for her underlying atopic skin disease with antihistamines and antifungal therapy, and we also changed her dry eye medication. Her previous steroid eye drops were replaced with cyclosporine—a much safer long-term option that manages dry eye without increasing the risk of corneal ulceration.

Seeing Ruby comfortable again and preserving the vision in her only eye made this case especially rewarding. ❤️

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Ruby and her wonderful owners, and I wish her nothing but comfort, happiness and good health throughout her twilight years. 🐾

#VeterinaryOphthalmology #WestHighlandTerrier #Westie #CornealUlcer #meltingulcer

✨ Meet Ruby ✨

This gorgeous 14-year-old West Highland Terrier was referred to me with only one remaining eye following an enucleation several years ago. When that eye developed an ulcer that wasn’t responding to treatment, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

On examination, Ruby was diagnosed with keratomalacia—more commonly known as a melting corneal ulcer. This is a rapidly progressive condition where enzymes begin to break down the cornea, putting the eye at real risk of perforation and vision loss. Prompt, aggressive treatment is essential.

With intensive topical medication alongside oral treatment, Ruby’s eye gradually began to turn the corner. The blue corneal oedema visible in the first photo had already resolved within the first week, and over the following weeks healthy blood vessels and granulation tissue helped rebuild the ulcer bed, allowing the cornea to regain its strength.

Just as importantly, we investigated why the ulcer had developed in the first place. Ruby was started on treatment for her underlying atopic skin disease with antihistamines and antifungal therapy, and we also changed her dry eye medication. Her previous steroid eye drops were replaced with cyclosporine—a much safer long-term option that manages dry eye without increasing the risk of corneal ulceration.

Seeing Ruby comfortable again and preserving the vision in her only eye made this case especially rewarding. ❤️

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Ruby and her wonderful owners, and I wish her nothing but comfort, happiness and good health throughout her twilight years. 🐾

#VeterinaryOphthalmology #WestHighlandTerrier #Westie #CornealUlcer #meltingulcer

🐱 Poppins’ journey to a healthy eye ❤️

I first met Poppins, a British Shorthair, with a non-healing corneal ulcer (SCCED) in his left eye in January! Despite multiple debridements and intensive medical treatment, the ulcer refused to heal.

We identified mild lower eyelid entropion, so his first surgery included correction of the left eyelid, preventative correction on the right, debridement, a contact lens and a temporary tarsorrhaphy. His eye healed beautifully… but just one month later, the ulcer returned.💔

After ruling out the many causes of non-healing ulcers in cats, it became clear that Poppins’ brachycephalic ocular syndrome was the underlying problem. His prominent eyes were simply too exposed, making them vulnerable to repeated injury and drying.👁️

His second surgery involved a medial canthoplasty, superficial keratectomy and further lower eyelid correction. Although recovery was longer and left some corneal scarring, it addressed the root cause rather than just the ulcer itself.

Today we’re celebrating 6 months since his initial presentation and 3 months since his second surgery—with no recurrence! 🎉

Poppins has been an absolute superstar throughout, and his owners have shown incredible dedication every step of the way. ⭐️He may still look permanently grumpy 😾, but his eyes are now bright, comfortable and healthy once again.🐈

Sometimes treating the ulcer isn’t enough—you have to treat why it keeps coming back.
#VeterinaryOphthalmology #CatEyeCare #BritishShorthair #CornealUlcer #SCCED

🐱 Poppins’ journey to a healthy eye ❤️

I first met Poppins, a British Shorthair, with a non-healing corneal ulcer (SCCED) in his left eye in January! Despite multiple debridements and intensive medical treatment, the ulcer refused to heal.

We identified mild lower eyelid entropion, so his first surgery included correction of the left eyelid, preventative correction on the right, debridement, a contact lens and a temporary tarsorrhaphy. His eye healed beautifully… but just one month later, the ulcer returned.💔

After ruling out the many causes of non-healing ulcers in cats, it became clear that Poppins’ brachycephalic ocular syndrome was the underlying problem. His prominent eyes were simply too exposed, making them vulnerable to repeated injury and drying.👁️

His second surgery involved a medial canthoplasty, superficial keratectomy and further lower eyelid correction. Although recovery was longer and left some corneal scarring, it addressed the root cause rather than just the ulcer itself.

Today we’re celebrating 6 months since his initial presentation and 3 months since his second surgery—with no recurrence! 🎉

Poppins has been an absolute superstar throughout, and his owners have shown incredible dedication every step of the way. ⭐️He may still look permanently grumpy 😾, but his eyes are now bright, comfortable and healthy once again.🐈

Sometimes treating the ulcer isn’t enough—you have to treat why it keeps coming back.
#VeterinaryOphthalmology #CatEyeCare #BritishShorthair #CornealUlcer #SCCED

Meet Otis 🐾

Otis is a handsome 8-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer and, as a typical teenager, he likes to keep everyone on their toes!

Otis was born with a condition called cherry eye (prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid). While his prolapsed gland wasn’t affecting his tear production at this stage, leaving it untreated can increase the risk of developing a more serious condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or “dry eye”, later in life.

To minimise the number of anaesthetics he would need, we planned his cherry eye surgery to coincide with his neutering procedure. During surgery, the gland was carefully repositioned and secured back into its normal location, preserving its important role in tear production.

Swipe to see Otis before and after his procedure ➡️

It is always a privilege to help my patients, but this case was especially close to my heart. Otis belongs to a dear friend of mine who is not only an incredible dog mum but also an exceptional veterinary surgeon. Out of all the people she could have trusted with Otis’s care, it was a real honour that she asked me to perform his surgery. Seeing the handsome young man he is today makes it even more special. ❤️🐶

#CherryEye #GermanShorthairedPointer #GSP #VeterinaryOphthalmology #DogEyeHealth

Meet Otis 🐾

Otis is a handsome 8-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer and, as a typical teenager, he likes to keep everyone on their toes!

Otis was born with a condition called cherry eye (prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid). While his prolapsed gland wasn’t affecting his tear production at this stage, leaving it untreated can increase the risk of developing a more serious condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or “dry eye”, later in life.

To minimise the number of anaesthetics he would need, we planned his cherry eye surgery to coincide with his neutering procedure. During surgery, the gland was carefully repositioned and secured back into its normal location, preserving its important role in tear production.

Swipe to see Otis before and after his procedure ➡️

It is always a privilege to help my patients, but this case was especially close to my heart. Otis belongs to a dear friend of mine who is not only an incredible dog mum but also an exceptional veterinary surgeon. Out of all the people she could have trusted with Otis’s care, it was a real honour that she asked me to perform his surgery. Seeing the handsome young man he is today makes it even more special. ❤️🐶

#CherryEye #GermanShorthairedPointer #GSP #VeterinaryOphthalmology #DogEyeHealth

🌸Meet Neala 🌸

Neala the French Bulldog came to see me for what initially appeared to be a SCCED (Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defect) — otherwise known as a non-healing corneal ulcer.
Despite being completely unbothered throughout her treatment journey, Neala certainly didn’t read the textbook 📚🐾
After initial debridement techniques failed to encourage healing, we decided to proceed with a diamond burr keratectomy alongside contact lens placement. A diamond burr keratectomy involves gently removing unhealthy, non-adherent corneal epithelium and polishing the surface of the cornea with a specialised rotating burr to help healthy cells reattach and heal. A contact lens is then placed to improve comfort and protect the healing surface. This procedure carries a success rate of around 80%.
Unfortunately, two weeks later, Neala’s eye looked virtually unchanged. In the photos you’ll see the exposed ulcerated corneal epithelium staining green with fluorescein dye — a clear indication the ulcer remained present and static despite weeks of treatment.
Although she was on a whole regime of topical and oral medications (plus being an absolute superstar with her buster collar!), both her owners and I were becoming increasingly concerned. One particularly worrying feature was the complete lack of blood supply to the ulcer. While blood vessels on the cornea can look alarming, they actually bring vital healing factors needed to repair corneal defects.
So… back to the drawing board we went.
We decided to trial an alternative, non evidence-based approach to promote tissue repair and encourage neovascularisation. Thankfully, the use of an anabolic steroid proved hugely successful, stimulating healthy blood supply into the ulcer and finally allowing Neala’s cornea to heal — all without the need for further surgery 🙌
Neala and her family have been absolute champions throughout this entire process. Their patience, dedication and trust never wavered, even when progress felt painfully slow.
Cases like Neala’s are a reminder that healing doesn’t always follow the rule book — but persistence, teamwork and thinking outside the box can sometimes make all the difference 💚

🌸Meet Neala 🌸

Neala the French Bulldog came to see me for what initially appeared to be a SCCED (Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defect) — otherwise known as a non-healing corneal ulcer.
Despite being completely unbothered throughout her treatment journey, Neala certainly didn’t read the textbook 📚🐾
After initial debridement techniques failed to encourage healing, we decided to proceed with a diamond burr keratectomy alongside contact lens placement. A diamond burr keratectomy involves gently removing unhealthy, non-adherent corneal epithelium and polishing the surface of the cornea with a specialised rotating burr to help healthy cells reattach and heal. A contact lens is then placed to improve comfort and protect the healing surface. This procedure carries a success rate of around 80%.
Unfortunately, two weeks later, Neala’s eye looked virtually unchanged. In the photos you’ll see the exposed ulcerated corneal epithelium staining green with fluorescein dye — a clear indication the ulcer remained present and static despite weeks of treatment.
Although she was on a whole regime of topical and oral medications (plus being an absolute superstar with her buster collar!), both her owners and I were becoming increasingly concerned. One particularly worrying feature was the complete lack of blood supply to the ulcer. While blood vessels on the cornea can look alarming, they actually bring vital healing factors needed to repair corneal defects.
So… back to the drawing board we went.
We decided to trial an alternative, non evidence-based approach to promote tissue repair and encourage neovascularisation. Thankfully, the use of an anabolic steroid proved hugely successful, stimulating healthy blood supply into the ulcer and finally allowing Neala’s cornea to heal — all without the need for further surgery 🙌
Neala and her family have been absolute champions throughout this entire process. Their patience, dedication and trust never wavered, even when progress felt painfully slow.
Cases like Neala’s are a reminder that healing doesn’t always follow the rule book — but persistence, teamwork and thinking outside the box can sometimes make all the difference 💚

Meet gorgeous girl Lola 🐾

Lola came to see me a month ago after living in a buster collar and suffering with a painful eye since January. After months of discomfort and failed healing attempts, her lovely family were understandably exhausted and desperate to finally get her comfortable again.

In the second image you can see just how inflamed Lola’s cornea had become from chronic healing attempts and repeated breakdown of the surface. As Lola had already undergone a recent corneal procedure at her primary care vets, we decided to take a more conservative and holistic approach to encourage the eye to heal naturally.

Under a light sedation, we gently disinfected and debrided the unhealthy corneal tissue before placing a bandage contact lens and a temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy stitch (pictured in image 3). This helped protect the fragile corneal surface and create the ideal environment for normal epithelial healing.

Lola was then started on an intensive treatment regime including:
✨ Serum eye drops — providing natural healing factors directly to the corneal surface
✨ Frequent lubrication — keeping the cornea moist and healthy for epithelial migration
✨ Antibiotics
✨ Appropriate pain relief

Eye healing can often look alarming before it looks better. In picture 4, Lola’s blood vessels crept centrally across the cornea and formed a thick patch of granulation tissue. Although dramatic in appearance, this tissue did a marvellous job of stabilising and healing the ulcer.

Fast forward one month… and in the final images, Lola is fully healed and FINALLY ready to ditch the buster collar once and for all 🎉

She has been left with some increased corneal pigmentation and a small amount of scar tissue still to remodel, but most importantly her vision and comfort have been preserved ❤️

It has been such a pleasure getting to know Lola and her wonderful family throughout this journey, and I am absolutely delighted that this chapter is finally behind her.

#veterinaryophthalmology #vetophthalmology #dogsofinstagram #pugcross #cornealulcer

Meet gorgeous girl Lola 🐾

Lola came to see me a month ago after living in a buster collar and suffering with a painful eye since January. After months of discomfort and failed healing attempts, her lovely family were understandably exhausted and desperate to finally get her comfortable again.

In the second image you can see just how inflamed Lola’s cornea had become from chronic healing attempts and repeated breakdown of the surface. As Lola had already undergone a recent corneal procedure at her primary care vets, we decided to take a more conservative and holistic approach to encourage the eye to heal naturally.

Under a light sedation, we gently disinfected and debrided the unhealthy corneal tissue before placing a bandage contact lens and a temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy stitch (pictured in image 3). This helped protect the fragile corneal surface and create the ideal environment for normal epithelial healing.

Lola was then started on an intensive treatment regime including:
✨ Serum eye drops — providing natural healing factors directly to the corneal surface
✨ Frequent lubrication — keeping the cornea moist and healthy for epithelial migration
✨ Antibiotics
✨ Appropriate pain relief

Eye healing can often look alarming before it looks better. In picture 4, Lola’s blood vessels crept centrally across the cornea and formed a thick patch of granulation tissue. Although dramatic in appearance, this tissue did a marvellous job of stabilising and healing the ulcer.

Fast forward one month… and in the final images, Lola is fully healed and FINALLY ready to ditch the buster collar once and for all 🎉

She has been left with some increased corneal pigmentation and a small amount of scar tissue still to remodel, but most importantly her vision and comfort have been preserved ❤️

It has been such a pleasure getting to know Lola and her wonderful family throughout this journey, and I am absolutely delighted that this chapter is finally behind her.

#veterinaryophthalmology #vetophthalmology #dogsofinstagram #pugcross #cornealulcer

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How to find us

Situated within the Willow Veterinary Clinic,

7 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co Aramgh. BT623EE

Telephone: 07544 831749

Email: brighteyeveterinarycare@gmail.com

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