Francisco Gómez CertAVP PgC(SAO) MRCVS, AP in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Veterinary Ophthalmologist | Founder of Ojo Veterinario

Available for short-term locum work in the UK for 1–2 week placements

My name is Francisco Gómez, and I am a veterinary ophthalmologist with extensive experience in small animal practice in the UK. I began my career as a new graduate at Lawrence Veterinary Centre in 2007, progressing to the position of Clinical Director in 2018, a role I held for four years. My passion for ophthalmology then led me to transition exclusively into referral work, joining the multidisciplinary Pride Referrals hospital in Derby, where I worked closely with specialists across various disciplines.

Alongside my ophthalmology services in Spain, I also provide first-opinion locum veterinary cover in the UK, offering reliable short-term support for practices that require additional clinical capacity. These placements are typically general practice, small animal, first-opinion shifts, for which my fees and terms (outlined below) apply.

Now based on the Costa del Sol (near AGP Málaga International Airport), I collaborate with veterinary clinics and hospitals both in Spain and the UK. Through my company, Ojo Veterinario, I deliver advanced ophthalmology consultations and also support practices with high-quality first-opinion cover when needed.

If you’d like to get in touch, please complete the form below or contact me directly via my WhatsApp number.

  • Locum Veterinary Services – Fees & Terms (Effective from 1 January 2026)

    Fees

    Standard Day Rate

    • £550 per 8-hour weekday shift (includes 1-hour unpaid break).

    4-Day Week Rate

    • £600 per shift (applies when a UK Bank Holiday closes the practice, resulting in a 4-day week).

    Weekend & Bank Holiday Rate

    • £600 per shift (routine weekend day shifts and Bank Holiday Mondays).

    Preferred Practices
    Certain practices with whom I have an established working relationship benefit from a loyalty discount:

    • £525 per weekday shift.

    • £550 per shift for 4-day weeks.

    Nights / OOH Work

    • Rarely undertaken, but can be considered by prior arrangement at an enhanced rate.

    Terms & Conditions

    1. Booking & Confirmation

    • Once shifts are accepted by both parties, the booking is considered confirmed.

    • Please ensure your practice is certain of its need before booking, as I cannot accept provisional or tentative holds.

    2.Cancellations

    • If the practice cancels after confirming, the full agreed shift fee will be invoiced. This reflects the fact that I frequently make non-refundable arrangements from abroad (such as flights and accommodation) once a booking is agreed.

    • In the unlikely event that I need to cancel a confirmed booking (e.g. due to illness), I am under no obligation to provide alternative cover, nor am I financially liable for any costs the practice may incur as a result.

    • While not guaranteed, I will always endeavour to assist the practice in sourcing alternative cover where possible.

    3. Travel & Accommodation

    • Where additional travel is required (e.g. more than 1 hour each way by car from accommodation), or where overnight accommodation is necessary, additional fees may be agreed with the practice on a case-by-case basis.

    • Any such arrangements will be discussed and confirmed by email prior to the booking.

    4. Short-Notice Bookings

    • Bookings made less than 1 week in advance may be charged at a higher fee, depending on availability and travel arrangements.

    • Any such adjustments will be discussed and confirmed by email before the booking is finalised.

    5. Payment Terms

    • Invoices will be issued following the completion of work.

    • Payment is required within 14 calendar days of the invoice date (unless otherwise agreed by email).

    6. Scope of Work

    • Small animal, first-opinion locum veterinary services.

    • OOH, sole charge, or nights only by prior agreement.

    7. Professional Standards

    • I am a fully qualified, RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon.

    • CV available here: https://ojoveterinario.es/cv-english.

      I kindly request that practices do not seek to negotiate down my fees. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

  • Education and Qualifications:

    • Veterinary Degree – University of Córdoba, 2005

    • MRCVS – Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2006

    • CertAVP – Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General), 2015

    • PgC(SAO) – Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Ophthalmology, 2019

    • Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology – Recognised by the RCVS, 2020

    Professional Experience:

    Veterinary Ophthalmologist & Founder | Ojo Veterinario (2024–Present)

    • Provide specialised ophthalmology consultations to veterinary clinics in the Costa del Sol.

    • Perform advanced ophthalmic examinations, collaborating closely with pet owners and veterinary teams.

    • Offer training and advice to veterinary professionals on managing complex ocular conditions.

    Ophthalmology Referral Clinician | Pride Referrals (2022–2024)

    • Worked as a dedicated ophthalmologist within a multidisciplinary team.

    • Diagnosed and treated a wide range of ocular conditions in a referral setting.

    Clinical Director | Lawrence Veterinary Centre (2018–2022)

    • Managed the clinic's operations, including finances, recruitment, and staff development.

    • Fostered a positive work culture and mentored new graduate veterinarians.

    • Developed a special interest in ophthalmology alongside first-opinion responsibilities.

    Locum Veterinarian & Emergency Services | Go Vet Locum Ltd (2010–2014)

    • Provided locum and out-of-hours services for veterinary clinics across the UK.

    • Built and managed a limited company to meet increasing demand for locum coverage.

    Skills & Expertise:

    • Advanced diagnostics in veterinary ophthalmology, including corneal ulcers, cataracts, and retinal diseases.

    • Collaboration with veterinary teams to deliver specialist care without direct competition.

    • Leadership, mentoring, and team-building in clinical settings.

    Publications and Presentations:

    • “Alternative Management of a Corneal Ulcer in a Dog with Neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca” – Presented at ECVN 2024.

    • “Atypical Steroid-Responsive Cranial Polyneuropathy and Bilateral Retinal Detachment in a Dog” – Presented at ECVN 2024.

    • “Further Training in Veterinary Ophthalmology: What Are My Options?” – Presented at BrAVO Spring Meeting, 2021.

    Philosophy and Commitment:

    I believe in the importance of collaboration and a holistic approach to veterinary care. My goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients and support clinics in providing the best possible care for their clients through ethical and specialised service