A snap decision during an online chat has led to a leading UK animal hospital donating a valuable eye camera to an American charity.
Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire has donated a Genesis Retinal Camera to The Seeing Eye organisation in New Jersey, which provides guide dogs for the blind.
The generous act was initiated by Davies’ head of ophthalmology Ioannis Tzouganakis after he had taken part in an international online forum.
Ioannis explained: “The ophthalmology community in the US and Europe has an online discussion forum where people can discuss cases and share information.
“During one particular chat, Dr Gus Aguirre mentioned the camera used at The Seeing Eye Institution was not functional anymore and they were looking for ways to repair it.
“I knew we had a functional unit at Davies which was no longer in use and got in touch with the Institution via Dr Aguirre to donate the camera.
“They were very happy to accept the donation and also keen to help arrange the transport of the camera.”
It’s proved the ‘eye-deal’ solution for the charity, with Seeing Eye director Kyle Quigley saying: “A big thank-you to Davies and Ioannis, we are so happy to have a working Genesis camera again!
“About a year ago, our Genesis Retinal Camera stopped working. It was a big blow as the camera is a critical piece of equipment that allows us to consult with specialists quickly regarding diseases of the eye.
“We tried for months to have it repaired but all our efforts failed as it’s no longer in production and there’s a lack of parts for repairs.
“Then, I received an email from Dr Aguirre introducing me to Ioannis at Davies Veterinary Specialists in England and we were thrilled to receive this piece of equipment as a donation.”
The Seeing Eye Institution is a non-profit organisation that breeds, raises and trains Seeing Eye dogs for people who are blind and visually impaired.
For more information about Davies and the wide range of specialist-led services it offers, visit https://vetspecialists.co.uk/ or search for them on Facebook or LinkedIn.
