Meet The Equine Eye Clinic Team
The Equine Eye Clinic's ophthalmology team is headed up by Dr Tim Knott BVSc BSc CertVOphthal MRCVS. Tim has extensive experience in Ophthalmology, holds the Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and regularly teaches other vets in clinical Veterinary Ophthalmology all over the world.
The Rowe Equine admin team lead by Massey Rowe who provide administrative and financial support, alongside Nelson Rowe and his team of equine veterinarians who offer clinical expertise and assistance to the ophthalmology team.
Dr Tim Knott BVSc BSc CertVOphthal MRCVS
Clinical Director of The Equine Eye Clinic
Tim graduated from Bristol University Vet School in 1995 and joined the Rowe Veterinary Group where he still works as Clinical Director today. He spent his first 10 years in mixed practice being the James Herriot Vet he always wanted to be, however he always had an interest in ophthalmology. After obtaining his RCVS certificate in ophthalmology in 2000 he set up the Rowe Referrals Small Animal Ophthalmology department and then the dedicated equine Ophthalmology consultancy service, The Equine Eye Clinic, in 2003. Having always enjoying teaching, Tim returned to Bristol University as an honorary lecturer in Veterinary Ophthalmology where he taught first day skills and delivered the lecture course for many years. He was on the examining team for the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology for its last 6 years and was an active member, and then Chairman, of the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists committee for 20 years. A long standing member of the board of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium, Tim continues to increase the profile of Equine Ophthalmology both at undergraduate and post graduate level .
Tim is passionate about teaching ophthalmology and has a particular interest in making ophthalmic photography accessible to clinicians as a diagnostic tool. His website, www.theeyephone.com, has helped hundreds of clinicians across the globe with practical advice on how to image the eye to help with diagnosis and treatment. He is still actively involved in ophthalmology teaching across the UK, Europe and North America with his constant aim being to demystify ophthalmology and to enthuse practitioners about this very important subject.
Rita Gervasio
PGDip (VCP) MRCVS
Ophthalmologist
Rita graduated in 2017 from the University of Evora, Portugal, where she first developed an interest in ophthalmology. She moved to the UK shortly afterwards to complete an equine rotating internship and a postgraduate diploma at the University of Bristol (2018–2019).
Following her internship, Rita worked in several equine clinics across the UK, gaining well-rounded experience in all aspects of equine medicine. In 2021, she began working alongside Tim, which helped nurture her growing interest in ophthalmology.
In 2023, Rita decided to take her interest further by undertaking an ophthalmology internship at Rowe Referrals while also studying towards a Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
Rita enjoys all areas of equine ophthalmology but has a particular interest in the management of uveitis and corneal disease. She is a member of the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmology (BrAVO) and the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC).
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the countryside, travelling, rock climbing, and surfing.