3-DAY IN PERSON Equine Ophthalmology Workshop 2026


with Professor Dennis Brooks
DVM, PhD, DACVO

When: June 12, 13 and 14 in Brisbane, Australia.

3 days of intensive, practical hands-on ophthalmology training designed for equine veterinarians

Equine eye cases can be some of the most stressful situations faced in practice. The horse is painful, the owner is anxious, and decisions need to be made quickly.

This in-person workshop has been designed to help veterinarians build confidence in diagnosing, managing and treating ophthalmic conditions in the horse.

Over three intensive days alongside Professor Dennis Brooks DVM, PhD, DACVO, and experienced tutors, you will learn how to perform a systematic eye examination, manage common and emergency conditions, and practice both diagnostic and surgical techniques in a structured wet-lab environment.

This is practical, case-based training designed specifically for equine practitioners.

Dates: 
June 12th – BDO, Brisbane City
June 13th & 14th – WestVETS Equine Hospital, Anstead, Brisbane

With only 22 spots available, this is your opportunity to gain expert knowledge in an intimate setting, ensuring individual attention and real-world practice alongside some of the industry’s top professionals.

What You Will Be Able To Do After This Workshop

After three days of intensive training, you will leave with the confidence to:

Perform a complete ophthalmic exam
Diagnose common equine eye disease
Use ultrasound and advanced diagnostics
Perform key ophthalmic procedures


This is the first and final time Professor Dennis Brooks will ever conduct an in-person workshop in Australia.

This isn’t just a once-in-a-career clinical event. It’s your opportunity to secure a seat at the table with one of the world’s foremost authorities on the equine eye.

Workshop Highlights

Over three intensive days you will:

Expert-Led Lectures

Learn directly from internationally recognised ophthalmology experts, including Professor Dennis Brooks, through structured lecture sessions covering examination techniques, corneal disease and uveitis.

Hands-On Diagnostic Training

Gain experience using key ophthalmic equipment including slit lamps, tonometry and ocular ultrasound.

Live Horse Wet Labs

Develop confidence performing ophthalmic examinations and diagnostic techniques on live horses under expert supervision.

Cadaver Surgical Training

Practice surgical and non-surgical ophthalmic procedures in a structured cadaver wet lab environment.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is designed specifically for equine veterinarians who want to build confidence in managing ophthalmic cases in practice.

You will truly benefit from this hands-on workshop if you:

  • See eye cases occasionally and want a clearer diagnostic approach
  • Want hands-on experience with ophthalmic procedures
  • Want to improve outcomes in horses with corneal disease or uveitis
  • Want practical guidance on managing ophthalmic emergencies
  • Prefer learning through real clinical examples and hands-on training

Learn From One of the World’s Leading Experts in Equine Ophthalmology

Professor Dennis Brooks DVM, PhD, DACVO

He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO) and has published extensively on equine ophthalmic disease while teaching veterinarians globally through lectures, workshops and clinical training.

Professor Brooks is also the only veterinary recipient of the AAEP Milne Award twice, and the recipient of the BEVA Sir Frederick Smith Memorial Medal, two of the highest honours in equine veterinary medicine.

This workshop provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most experienced educators in equine ophthalmology.

Practical Highlights

During the workshop you will gain hands-on experience with a range of important ophthalmic procedures including:

Systematic Eye Examination

Learn a repeatable, structured method for examining the equine eye.

Diagnostic Techniques

Use specialised equipment including slit lamps, tonometry and ultrasound.

Nerve Blocks and Treatments

Practice essential blocks used during ophthalmic examinations and learn how to place and manage SPL systems used in ophthalmic therapy.

Advanced Therapeutics

Collagen cross-linking for corneal ulcerations.

Corneal Diagnostics

Perform cytology, corneal scraping and debridement techniques.

Surgical Techniques

Practice procedures including corneal suturing, conjunctival pedicle grafts and keratectomy techniques.

Secure Your Spot – Limited Availability

With just 22 places available, this small-group workshop is designed to provide an exceptional hands-on learning experience.

As a valued member of our community, you are receiving priority access to register before places are opened to the wider veterinary community.

Once these places are filled, registrations will close, so we encourage you to secure your spot early.

One time payment

$5,500 AUD

Excluding GST

2 monthly payments

$2,800 AUD

Excluding GST

Workshop Agenda

DAY ONE

Lecture Day

(BDO, Brisbane City)

The first day focuses on building the clinical foundations of equine ophthalmology.

Topics include:

  • Performing a complete ophthalmic examination in the horse
  • Understanding uveitis and related uveal disease
  • Diagnosis and treatment of corneal disease
  • Approaches to ophthalmic emergencies
  • Demonstrations of specialised ophthalmic equipment including:
    • Slit lamp examination
    • Tonometry
    • Ocular ultrasound
    • OCT / high-frequency ultrasound
    • and more…

The day concludes with a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

DAY TWO

Live Horse Workshop

(WestVETS Equine Hospital, Anstead)

Day two focuses on hands-on practical training with live horses.

Participants rotate through small practical groups to practise:

  • Full ophthalmic examination techniques
  • Diagnostic evaluation of eye cases
  • Use of ophthalmic equipment in clinical settings

The day includes structured practical blocks allowing participants to build confidence with real cases under expert supervision.

Advanced case demonstrations and group discussions are included to reinforce clinical decision-making.

DAY THREE

Cadaver WetLab

(WestVETS Equine Hospital, Anstead)

The final day focuses on advanced diagnostics and surgical techniques using cadaver specimens.

Participants will practice:

  • Diagnostic & Non-Surgical Procedures
    • Nerve blocks
    • Ultrasound examination of the eye
    • Subpalpebral lavage placement
    • Collagen cross-linking techniques
    • Corneal cytology and scraping / debridement
  • Surgical Procedures
    • Corneal suturing
    • Conjunctival pedicle grafts
    • Keratectomy techniques
    • Eyelid suturing

The workshop concludes with a final discussion and Q&A session.

Equine Ophthalmology Workshop – Schedule

Format: 3 Days (1 Lecture Day + 2 WetLab Days)


Day 1 – BDO, Brisbane City
Day 2 & 3 – WestVETS Equine Hospital, Anstead
, Brisbane

Day 1 – Lecture Day (RACE-approved for 7 credits)

08:30 – 09:00

Registration and coffee

09:00 – 09:10

Welcome and housekeeping

09:10 – 10:00

Ophthalmic Examination of the Horse – Part 1

10:05 – 10:55

Ophthalmic Examination of the Horse – Part 2

10:55 – 11:15

Morning Tea

11:15 – 12:10

Uveitis and Related Uveal Disease

12:10 – 1:00

Corneal Disease in the Horse – Part 1

1:00 – 2:00

Lunch

2:00 – 2:50

Corneal Disease in the Horse – Part 2

2:50 – 3:50

Emergency Ophthalmic Conditions

3:50 – 4:15

Afternoon Tea

4:15 – 5:00

Burst Sessions – Use of Equipment:

– Slit Lamp
– Tonometry
– Ultrasound
– OCT/HFUS

5:00 – 5:30

Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

5:30 – 5:40

Closing Remarks

Day 2 – Live Horse WetLab

08:30 – 09:00

Welcome and Orientation

09:00 – 10:30

Live Horse Prac Block 1

10:30 – 11:00

Morning Tea and horse changeover

11:00 – 12:30

Live Horse Prac Block 2

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Live Horse Prac Block 3

15:00 – 15:30

Afternoon Tea

15:30 – 16:15

Advanced case demonstrations or mini lecture in lunchroom

16:15 – 17:00

Group discussion and wrap‑up

Day 3 – Cadaver WetLab

07:30 – 08:30

Delegates check out of accommodation, travel to venue

08:30 – 09:00

Introduction to cadaver lab

09:00 – 12:00

Cadaver Prac – Diagnostics and Non-Surgical Procedures

– Nerve blocks
– Ultrasound examination of the eye
– Subpalpebral lavage (SPL) placement
– Corneal cytology and scraping/ debridement (burring)
– Collagen cross‑linking techniques

12:00 – 13:00

Lunch

13:00 – 14:30

Cadaver Prac – Surgical Procedures

– Corneal suturing
– Conjunctival pedicle graft
– Keratectomy techniques
– Eyelid suturing

14:30 – 15:00

Final Discussion and Q&A

15:00

Workshop Close

Download a copy of the Equine Ophthalmology Workshop
schedule here.

Accommodation Options

Jephson Hotel

📍 63 Jephson St Toowong QLD 4066.
Free parking.

🛏️ From $220 AUD per night.

For bookings, click here.

Essence Suites Taringa

📍28-32 Morrow St Taringa QLD 4068

🛏️ From $220 AUD per night.

For bookings, click here.

Listen to what our Ophthalmology Program members had to say

  • If you are a vet that treats eyes, then there’s plenty of reasons why you should join this program. The biggest reason: you don’t know what you don’t know. These lectures are high level, technical but basic at the same time. The speakers are fantastic and clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. Highly recommend.
    Dr. Sarah Townsend BVSc MANZCVS (Eq Dentistry)
    Australia
  • The Ophthalmology Program has been a great help in giving me the tools and review I needed to approach and treat ophthalmology cases in the field with motivation and confidence. Dr. Brooks has a way of teaching that is so real and honest. In addition to learning, I enjoyed hearing about his experiences and cases.
    Marina Cesar DVM
    United States

Learn From A Veterinarian Who Do This Every Day
(For More Than 4 Decades)

This workshop is personally taught by a world renowned clinician who has managed ophthalmic cases regularly in equine practice and referral settings.

Our goal of this live in-person workshop is not just to teach theory, but to give you the practical confidence needed when the next eye case appears in your practice.

We offer you an intimate learning environment ensuring individual attention, real clinical cases, the opportunity to ask questions without judgement and gain hands-on experience with expert tutors supporting you throughout the 3 days.

Don’t Delay – Register Today

Join us for this exclusive, one-of-a-kind event designed to elevate your clinical confidence in equine ophthalmology and help you stand out in practice.

This in-person workshop represents a truly unique opportunity, as it will be Professor Dennis Brooks’ only workshop ever held in Australia during his career.

We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane, Australia, for three days of focused learning with Professor Brooks and our expert faculty, where you will build practical skills in equine ophthalmic examination, diagnostics and treatment.

As Professor Brooks is personally supervising the surgical wet-labs on Day 3, we cannot – under any circumstances – expand this beyond 22 clinicians. We prioritise your surgical success over our ticket sales. Once the 22nd seat is booked, this once-in-a-career opportunity is closed.

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