When you come to the Animal Eye Center, your pet will be examined by Dr. Beth Gibbins who is a board-certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Within the recent past, new knowledge, instrumentation and techniques in veterinary medicine have made it possible for specialist to receive advanced training in particular fields. Specialists are now available to work with your referring veterinarian to help provide the highest level of patient care. There are numerous specialty groups or boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Membership is gained after successfully completing a residency program and completion of written, oral and practical examinations. There are currently less than 600 diplomates in the ACVO.
Beth Gibbins White, DVM, Diplomate ACVO
Dr. Beth Gibbins White is originally from Anniston, Alabama and ophthalmology has always been a part of her life since her father and grandfather were M.D. ophthalmologists. She received her B.S. in Biology from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina in 1992 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1996. Following graduation, she practiced general small animal veterinary medicine for four years in North Carolina and in Montgomery, Alabama. It was during these years in general practice that her passion for veterinary ophthalmology developed. In 2000, she returned to Auburn University and completed a one year veterinary ophthalmology internship followed by a three year veterinary ophthalmology residency. In 2004, she founded the Animal Eye Center in Birmingham, Alabama and in 2005 she started a satelitte office in Huntsville, Alabama, being the first veterinary specialist to work in Huntsville. Originally ophthalmic consultations were available every three weeks in Huntsville. However, due to the enourmous growth in Huntsville and the surrounding areas, these visits quickly shortened to twice a month and then weekly. Seeing that this area greatly needed a veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Gibbins moved her family and relocated her practice exclusively to Huntsville. Dr. Gibbins and her family are very excited about living and working in the rocket city. Dr. Gibbins favorite part of being a veterinary ophthalmologist is being able to help an animal restore their sight from cataracts or other potentially blinding diseases and she will tell you, "It never get old watching a patient wake up from cataract surgery and being able to witness them seeing again. And when the pet's family tells me how much they love watching their dog or cat looking out the window, chasing squirrels or being able to find their treats again, it's the icing on the cake!" Dr. Gibbins is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and the Madison County Veterinary Medical Association. When not practicing ophthalmology, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, four sons, and two rescue dogs, Rocket and Skye (who were named many years before moving to Huntsville).