One of the UK's largest specialist hospitals for animals has expanded its ophthalmology department.

Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists, near Hitchin, has added ophthalmology diplomate Ines Marino Freitas to its talented team.

Ines said: "I am delighted to have joined the amazing team here at Davies and, in particular, the highly-qualified ophthalmology department.

"At the hospital we have the skills and facilities to offer the highest quality care and treatment of multiple eye diseases in small animals.

"Essentially, my role is to look after my patients' eyes, and I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of veterinary ophthalmology with a particular interest in ocular surface diseases."

Ines says clear communication with pet owners is an important part of the process, helping to ease their concerns and anxiety and to also manage expectations.

She added: "It is very important to me that my clients understand the diseases affecting their pets' eyes, how we can help them, if we can cure them and what to expect in the long-term.

"I like to think of it as myself and my clients working together as a team to achieve the very best results."

Ines' specialist training meant she had to focus on caring for a wide range of species and says examining reptiles' eyes was truly fascinating.

She said: "Part of our specialist training as ophthalmologists required us to examine the eyes of many different species.

"One leopard gecko in particular was one of my all-time favourite patients to examine as the eyes were so delicate, colourful and beautiful."

Outside of work, Ines is a keen photographer so even her hobby includes working with lenses, concentrating on focus and ensuring clear images.

Ines is also no stranger to the UK-wide Linnaeus group, which is part of Mars Veterinary Health, as she completed her ophthalmology residency at DWR Veterinary Specialists in Cambridgeshire.

Ines originally graduated as a veterinary surgeon in Portugal where she initially worked in general practice before moving to the UK in 2014.

For more information about Davies and the wide range of specialist-led services it offers, visit https://vetspecialists.co.uk/ or search for the practice on Facebook or LinkedIn.