A Veterinary Specialist has a far superior level of education and a substantially greater degree of professional skill over a general practitioner, in their trained area of expertise.

Veterinarians must meet stringent requirements relating to qualifications, experience, and training to be registered as specialists. Under Australia legislation, only registered specialists may claim Specialist status.

To have a Specialist title, a veterinarian will have graduated from a five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree, practiced for four years as a veterinarian in general practice, completed a three to five-year training program in their area of specialisation, and passed numerous rigorous examinations to achieve Fellowship with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (ACVSc).

Veterinary Specialists must then be approved and registered as Specialists with the veterinary board in the jurisdiction in which they practice.

For more information about Specialist qualifications, visit the ACVSc website at: www.acvs.org.au or consult the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria at: www.vetboard.vic.gov.au

Dr Andrew Turner and Dr Simon Hurn are registered Specialists in Ophthalmology.