About
About Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals (VOR)
Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals (VOR) is South Australia’s longest-standing dedicated
animal eye clinic, providing expert care for animals with eye problems referred by general
veterinary practitioners. We focus exclusively on ophthalmology and do not offer general
veterinary services.
Our patients come from across South Australia, the Northern Territory and western Victoria. We are committed to working collaboratively with referring veterinarians, ensuring every case is managed thoroughly and compassionately. Once an ophthalmic diagnosis or treatment is completed, we return pets to their usual veterinarians for continued care.
A New Chapter
Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals has entered an exciting new chapter with Dr. Alex Verloop taking over as the owner of the practice in mid-2023. Dr. Verloop, who joined VOR in 2021 as a resident in veterinary ophthalmology, brings a strong clinical and academic background and a deep passion for eye care in animals. He is committed to continuing VOR’s tradition of excellence in veterinary ophthalmology.
Although Dr. Read is now primarily focused on his North Queensland Clinic, he remains deeply involved in the practice. He continues to work closely with Dr. Alex, ensuring that the highest standards of care and quality are maintained across all aspects of the work. Both Dr. Read and Dr. Alex’s unwavering commitment to excellence and collaboration ensures that patients consistently receive the best possible care.
1992
Dr Tony Read begins specialist training in Veterinary Ophthalmology at The Animal Health
Trust in Newmarket, England, under the mentorship of Dr Keith Barnett.
1995
After obtaining his specialist qualifications, Dr Read runs an ophthalmology referral service
in Wimbledon, London.
1996
Dr Read returns to Australia and establishes Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals (VOR) in
Adelaide, operating out of a rented space at what is now the Adelaide Animal Emergency and
Referral Centre on Anzac Highway.
2000
Dr Read co-founds the Adelaide Veterinary Specialist and Referral Centre (AVSARC) in
Norwood with Dr Ian Douglas, housing VOR alongside other specialist services. AVSARC becomes Australia’s first purpose-built veterinary referral centre. Dr Read remains co-owner
until 2008.
2008
Dr Read begins a visiting ophthalmology service to North Queensland, providing specialist
care in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton.
2011
VOR relocates to its own dedicated ophthalmology-only clinic on Anzac Highway, offering a
modern and focused environment for eye care.
2014
Dr Kellam Bayley, based in Wellington, New Zealand, joins as Dr Read’s first resident,
commencing a part-time ECVO residency.
2019
Dr Bayley completes all ECVO board exams and becomes the first veterinarian to complete
an ECVO residency based in Australasia.
Dr Zoe Anastassiadis begins a dual ECVO and ANZCVS residency under Dr Read.
2021
Dr Alex Verloop joins VOR as the third resident, starting his ECVO residency in veterinary
ophthalmology.
VOR celebrates 25 years of continuous operation in Adelaide and 10 years at the Anzac
Highway clinic.
2023
Dr Zoe Anastassiadis becomes a Fellow of the ANZCVS in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
Dr. Verloop takes over as the new owner of VOR, and together with Dr. Read, continues to carry forward the clinic’s commitment to excellence in veterinary ophthalmology.
2025
Dr. Verloop is currently preparing for his specialist qualification in veterinary ophthalmology through dedicated study for the forthcoming examination.