Dennis Brooks – The World’s Leading Authority in Equine Ophthalmology
DVM, PhD, DACVO
With more than four decades dedicated to advancing veterinary ophthalmology, Dr. Dennis Brooks is globally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to equine eye care. A dual academic and clinician, Dr. Brooks has performed more corneal surgeries in horses than any other veterinarian worldwide and continues to shape how equine ophthalmology is taught and practiced today.
Dr. Brooks earned his DVM from the University of Illinois in 1980, followed by residency training and a PhD from the University of Florida. He became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) in 1984 and has since trained more than 30 residents, mentored thousands of veterinary students, and influenced practitioners across six continents.
As Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida, Dr. Dennis Brooks combines deep scientific rigor with unmatched surgical experience. His consulting firm, BrooksEyes LLC, delivers specialty equine ophthalmology services in Florida and Texas – continuing a lifetime commitment to preserving sight in horses.
He is best known for pioneering techniques in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and amnion grafting in horses, and for authoring one of the definitive textbooks on the subject: Equine Ophthalmology (2002, 2008). His passion for innovation is matched only by his dedication to teaching.
Research, Innovation & Publications
Dr Dennis Brooks has secured over USD $2.3 million in research funding focused on corneal surgery, infectious keratitis, and vision-saving therapeutics.
He is widely credited with pioneering modern techniques in:
- Corneal transplantation and lamellar keratoplasty
- Amniotic membrane grafting
- Collagen cross-linking for melting ulcers
- Equine cataract and lens surgery
His body of work includes 178+ peer-reviewed papers, 76 book chapters, and three textbooks across large- and small-animal ophthalmology – most notably the landmark text Equine Ophthalmology (2002 & 2008 editions), regarded as the definitive reference for the field.
Awards & Recognition
- AAEP Distinguished Educator Award (2016)
- Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture, AAEP (2010)
- Sir Frederick Smith Memorial Medal, BEVA (2007)
- Western Veterinary Conference Equine Educator of the Year (2007 & 2015)
- Former President, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (1997–1998)
- Numerous national and international service and lifetime-achievement honours
Global Teaching Legacy
Dr Dennis Brooks has delivered more than 1,000 lectures and surgical demonstrations at veterinary schools and conferences around the world, including AAEP, BEVA, WEVA, WVC, and ACVO.
His practical, case-based teaching style emphasises when to treat and when to refer, how to manage urgent ocular trauma, and evidence-based therapeutics that preserve vision – essential skills for veterinarians seeking advanced training in equine ocular trauma management.
His philosophy is simple: “You see what you know. The more you know, the more you’ll see.”
Areas of Expertise
- Equine corneal disease & surgery
- Infectious keratitis and stromal abscesses
- Uveitis and glaucoma management
- Comparative ophthalmology (across species)
- Ophthalmic clinical training for veterinarians
- Vision-saving innovation in veterinary care
Beyond the Clinic
Professor Dennis Brooks and his wife, a fellow veterinarian live on a wooded property in central Florida, where they care for horses and small animals. Despite his extensive achievements, he remains focused on one enduring goal: to prevent blindness in horses by discovering and sharing the next best idea. A mission that keeps him teaching, mentoring, and learning every day.
Master Equine Ophthalmology with Dr. Dennis Brooks – A 4-Part Clinical Training Series for Practitioners
If you’ve ever struggled with diagnosing eye pain in horses , or felt uncertain managing corneal disease – this is the advanced, no-fluff training you’ve been waiting for.
Dr. Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, DACVO, is one of the most respected names in veterinary ophthalmology. With over 40 years of groundbreaking clinical and surgical experience, more corneal surgeries performed than any veterinarian worldwide, and three authoritative textbooks under his belt, Dr. Brooks is the go-to mentor for equine eye care.
In this exclusive 4-part Practitioners Program, you’ll gain the same clinical insight he’s taught to thousands of veterinarians across six continents through the equine vet CE on demand 24/7.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Art of Observation & Vision Testing
Go beyond surface-level signs. Learn how to assess ocular symmetry, behavioral cues, and corneal health using nerve blocks, light reflex tests, and modern imaging – plus how to document your findings with photos that support referrals and follow-ups. - Corneal Colors and Diagnostic Tools
Master the language of the cornea. Dr. Dennis Brooks walks you through color indicators (blue, red, white, black) and what they mean clinically, along with hands-on instruction for fluorescein staining, Seidel’s test, and dry eye evaluation. - Superficial Corneal Ulcers: Pathogenesis & Healing
Discover the healing timeline, what slows it down, and how to accelerate it using the latest therapies like amniotic membranes and collagen cross-linking. - Management of Ulcers: Tools, Therapies, and Advanced Techniques
Learn to sterilize, support, and strengthen damaged corneas. From topical antibiotics to hyperosmotics and antifungals, you’ll build confident treatment plans – including cutting-edge approaches to prevent scarring and preserve vision.
Why It Matters:
The cost of a missed diagnosis? Devastating. The difference between uncertainty and mastery? One program.
You’ll walk away with a stronger diagnostic eye, a modern treatment toolkit, and the confidence to tackle complex cases – especially those where vision is on the line.
🧠 Learn from the surgeon who literally wrote the book on equine ophthalmology.
📈 Elevate your clinical decision-making with techniques used in the field today.
🐴 Become the veterinarian your clients trust when their horse’s vision is at risk.
👉 Join the Practitioners Program now and become the ophthalmic clinician your patients need – before minor signs become major consequences. Join leading clinicians such as Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Olivia James, Dr. Jack Egan, and Dr. Jesus Buil, who share practical, evidence-based approaches to real-world equine cases.
This program blends scientific depth with day-to-day applicability, helping practitioners refine their diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills. Take the next step in your professional journey with training that’s relevant, inspiring, and created by those who understand the realities of equine practice, just like Professor Dennis Brooks.