Dr Michael E Bernays - Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Mike graduated from the University of Sydney in 1980 and worked in general practice for 15 years in Tamworth, Bathurst and Brisbane until the dream of formal training in ophthalmology came alive when he commenced training with Dr Richard Smith in 1996. After working with Richard and spending further time in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Rhode Island USA he obtained his Fellowship from the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in 1999.
Mike’s other interests include flying (he owns and flies his own aircraft, a Piper Twin Comanche) and music. He sings in a 40 voice semi-professional chamber choir, Canticum.
Dr Vicki Liddle BVSc (Hons) - Veterinary Ophthalmology Resident
Vicki graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007 with first class honours, and also received the “ASAVA Prize in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery” and the “AVP Essay Award”. She then completed a rotating internship in emergency medicine, critical care, internal medicine and surgery at Queensland Veterinary Specialists, before being offered an internship in her preferred field, ophthalmology, at Animal Eye Services.
On completion of her second internship, Vicki was fortunate enough to be offered a formal residency training programme at Animal Eye Services, with the aim of sitting her fellowship exams in 2013!
Vicki continues to work part-time at a veterinary emergency clinic on weekends, but in any spare moments she enjoys baking, being an aunty, live music, touch football, and rugby league (as a spectator only).
Melyssa Macready - Veterinary Ophthalmic Nurse
It all started when puppies used to follow Melyssa home from school; she knew then that she wanted to work in the veterinary industry. Once Melyssa finished year 12 she began working at a veterinary hospital in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.
After 4 years Melyssa moved with her much loved horse and dog to the hustle and bustle of Sydney. While working in a veterinary hospital at Bondi Junction for six years, she achieved her advanced certificate in veterinary nursing. She collected a menagerie of animals including her husband, and moved to the warmer relaxed climate of Brisbane in 1999.
After working at a couple of veterinary hospitals in Brisbane, Melyssa took up a position with Animal Eye Services as an Ophthalmic Nurse. During this time she has added to her menagerie and is now mum to four horses (two of which she competes on), two dogs, three cats, two geese and thirteen ducks.
Leonie Harris - Veterinary Ophthalmic Nurse
Having started in the workforce as a receptionist, Leonie proceeded to University in 1998 to do a Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Studies with a specialisation in Wildlife Biology.
After deferring her honours project in Theraphosid systematics (Tarantula spiders), Leonie decided to spend another year at Uni to do another specialisation, this time in Veterinary Technology and Management.This led her to volunteer at the University Small Animal Teaching Hospital to gain some clinical experience while studying. She also did some locum nursing at the Uni before being offered a nursing position at Animal Eye Services.
Elisa Gubellini - Veterinary Ophthalmic Nurse
Elisa always knew she wanted to work with animals. After graduating with a Diploma in Animal Production in Italy (the country of her birth), she followed her heart all the way down under.
Initially she worked for a few years with horses on various internships and traineeships, both abroad and here in Australia, mainly in reproduction and theatre nursing. Her final thesis for Uni was on "Embryo transfer in mares", for which she did her main research in Victoria at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital after winning a 3 month scholarship. Once here in Australia and after a couple of close calls working with horses, Elisa decided to start working with small animals. She worked for a year in a general practice in Ascot in Brisbane. She loved doing dental work, and at the same time she started her studies on Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Elisa decided to become a Veterinary Ophthalmic Nurse as she finds it very interesting to specialise in one area of veterinary science in greater detail. She came on board here at Animal Eye Services in February 2007 and loves it.