UF veterinary ophthalmologist lectures to British equine group

University of Florida veterinary ophthalmologist Dennis Brooks, D.V.M., Ph.D., presented the prestigious Sir Frederick Smith Memorial Lecture in Warwickshire, England, kicking off the annual meeting of the British Equine Veterinary Association Dec. 13.

The lecture is named in honor of the late Sir Frederick Smith, a veterinarian who started the British Army Veterinary Corp for cavalry horses in the late 1800s. He served in India and in South Africa about 100 years ago. Smith was knighted and also became a major general. He performed research into laminitis and general horse health.

A professor at UF's College of Veterinary Medicine, Brooks spoke to the association about the changing medical standards of care in horses with ophthalmic problems, and about the use of antiproteases in treating infectious corneal ulcers in horses. He was seated next to Britain's Princess Anne during the association's awards presentation and received a medal for his selection as the Smith Memorial Lecturer.