About Dr. Amanda Chen

Veterinary Ophthalmologist

Canine Ophthalmology & Inherited Eye Diseases

Edinburgh, Scotland

Three Decades in Veterinary Ophthalmology

I earned my veterinary degree from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh in 1996. What followed was specialised training that took me to the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket and across the Atlantic to Cornell University, where I completed my residency in comparative ophthalmology.

The dual board certification I hold from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons represents not just examinations passed, but a commitment to the highest standards of specialist practice. Every year, I complete substantial continuing education to stay current with advances in our field.

My Focus on Hereditary Eye Conditions

Early in my career, I became fascinated by the inherited eye conditions prevalent in herding breeds. Collie Eye Anomaly, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and hereditary cataracts present unique challenges because they affect not individual dogs, but entire breed populations and future generations.

Over 28 years, I have examined more than 15,000 herding dogs for breeding certification. Each examination adds to my understanding of how these conditions manifest and progress. My 2018 paper in Veterinary Ophthalmology on early detection protocols for CEA has since been adopted by the Kennel Club and several European registries as the foundation for their screening programmes.

Credentials and Affiliations

  • BVSc, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh (1996)
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO)
  • Member, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS)
  • Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology (CertVOphthal)
  • Chief Ophthalmologist, Scottish Veterinary Eye Clinic
  • Consultant, Kennel Club Eye Scheme Panel
  • Author, "Ocular Conditions in Working Dog Breeds" (Wiley-Blackwell, 2019)

Areas of Expertise

Collie Eye Anomaly

Diagnosis, grading, and long-term monitoring of CEA in affected breeds. Research into genotype-phenotype correlations.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Screening and early detection of PRA variants, electroretinography interpretation, and genetic counselling for breeders.

Breeding Certification

Comprehensive eye examinations for breeding stock with detailed documentation for kennel club registration.

Cataract Surgery

Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, including management of hereditary cataracts in herding breeds.

Glaucoma Management

Medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma, with particular focus on breed predispositions in working dogs.

Genetic Counselling

Interpreting DNA test results in the context of clinical findings, advising on breeding decisions and population health.

Mission of This Resource

Throughout my career, I have been struck by how much misinformation circulates about CEA. Breeders sometimes make decisions based on incomplete understanding; owners worry unnecessarily or, conversely, underestimate real risks. This website aims to provide accurate, practical information drawn from clinical experience and peer-reviewed research.

My goal is not to replace the relationship between breeders, owners, and their veterinary ophthalmologists. Rather, I want to equip you with the knowledge to ask informed questions, understand examination findings, interpret genetic test results, and make sound decisions about the dogs in your care.