Dr. Tim Knott
BSc (Hons), BVSc, CertVOphthal, MRCVS
Dr. Tim Knott is an internationally recognized veterinary ophthalmologist known for his pioneering work in equine and small animal eye care, his passion for education, and his mission to make ophthalmology more accessible to veterinary practitioners worldwide.
Based in Gloucestershire, UK, Dr. Knott serves as Clinical Director at The Equine Eye Clinic and continues to practice with Rowe Veterinary Group, where he has built a career dedicated to advancing veterinary eye health through innovation, teaching, and leadership.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Tim Knott has shaped the field of veterinary ophthalmology by combining hands-on clinical excellence with a drive to simplify and demystify this complex area of medicine. His work has inspired countless veterinarians to embrace ophthalmology and integrate it into their practices.
Early Career and Foundations in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Tim Knott graduated from the University of Bristol Veterinary School in 1995 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), having also completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours. Straight out of veterinary school, he joined the Rowe Veterinary Group, where he remains an active clinician today.
For the first decade of his career, Dr. Tim Knott worked in mixed practice, fulfilling his childhood dream of being a “James Herriot” style veterinarian. During these formative years, he built a broad foundation in animal health, caring for a wide range of species while developing a particular interest in eye-related conditions.
Advancing into Ophthalmology
Driven by a deepening passion for veterinary ophthalmology, Dr. Tim Knott achieved the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology (CertVOphthal) in 2000. This accomplishment marked a pivotal point in his career, allowing him to shift his focus from general veterinary care to specialized ophthalmic medicine and surgery.
Shortly after earning his certificate, Dr. Tim Knott founded the Rowe Referrals Ophthalmology Service, a dedicated referral center for advanced ophthalmic cases in small animals. In 2003, he expanded this vision by establishing The Equine Eye Clinic, a specialty service focused entirely on equine ophthalmology.
Based in the picturesque Cotswolds, The Equine Eye Clinic has since become a leading referral center, offering advanced diagnostics and surgical solutions such as cataract surgery, laser treatments for glaucoma and ocular tumors, electroretinography, and complex corneal microsurgery.
Leadership and Contributions to the Profession
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Tim Knott has held numerous leadership roles that have shaped the direction of veterinary ophthalmology in the UK and abroad. He has been a long-standing member of the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO), serving for over 20 years, including a term as Chairman.
He also contributed to the development of future veterinary specialists by serving on the examining team for the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology during its final six years.
Dr. Tim Knott’s influence extends internationally through his position on the board of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC). In this role, he works to raise the profile of equine ophthalmology, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate education while fostering collaboration among veterinary professionals worldwide.
Educator and Mentor
A passionate teacher, Dr. Tim Knott spent nearly a decade as an Honorary Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthalmology at his alma mater, the University of Bristol. There, he taught first-day skills and delivered ophthalmology lectures, helping veterinary students build confidence and competence in diagnosing and treating eye diseases.
His educational outreach extends far beyond the university setting. Dr. Tim Knott regularly lectures and conducts training sessions across the UK, Europe, and North America, with a particular focus on making ophthalmology approachable for general practitioners.
Innovating with The Eye Phone Project
Recognizing the barriers many veterinarians face when incorporating ophthalmology into their practices, Dr. Tim Knott founded The Eye Phone Ltd in 2010. Inspired by his early experiments using an iPhone 4 to capture retinal images, he began developing practical, affordable tools for ophthalmic imaging and diagnosis.
Through his website, www.theeyephone.com, Dr. Tim Knott shares accessible guidance on eye photography and diagnostic techniques. His goal is to empower clinicians around the world to integrate ophthalmology into their everyday practice without the need for prohibitively expensive equipment.
Dr. Tim Knott: A Vision for the Future
Today, Dr. Tim Knott remains at the forefront of veterinary ophthalmology, balancing his clinical work with his roles as a mentor, innovator, and global advocate for accessible eye care. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to improving animal health while supporting veterinary professionals through education and collaboration.
Whether performing complex equine eye surgeries, teaching students, or developing low-cost diagnostic tools, Dr. Tim Knott’s guiding principle remains the same: to demystify ophthalmology and inspire practitioners to embrace this essential and rewarding field.
With his extensive experience and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Tim Knott continues to shape the future of veterinary eye care, making a meaningful difference for animals and the clinicians who care for them.