Optivet Referrals Ltd

Based on the website and recent reviews, the clinic is frequently involved in complex eye cases (including cataract surgery and emergency eye injuries), major surgery, and referral-level decision-making. Owners describe being given detailed explanations (including being shown how to administer treatments) and being supported through difficult outcomes, including euthanasia.

Services

•Ophthalmology referrals: ocular examinations and surgical procedures including cataract surgery (website); reviews describe treatment for perforated/ruptured eyes, vision-saving surgery, and eye removal in severe cases.
•Orthopaedics referrals: the website states an extensive range of orthopaedic procedures, led by two ECVS Specialists in small animal surgery.
•Internal medicine referrals (website).
•Soft tissue surgery: stated to cover a full range of procedures and to work closely with internal medicine (website); one review mentions surgical removal of a “challenging cancer… in its entirety.”
•CT imaging: outpatient CT service using a Toshiba 128-slice CT system (website).
•Cardiology referrals: service stated to have started January 2024, led by Alfredo Planelles; the clinic also accepts outpatient echocardiogram cases (website).
•Equine ophthalmology: website states a dedicated equine specialist team for an expanding equine ophthalmology service.
•Out-of-hours/urgent care (as described by owners): several reviews mention being seen on a bank holiday and overnight (around 2–3am) for emergency eye problems; the clinic’s formal emergency arrangements are not stated in the provided website summary.

People

•Alfredo Planelles (named on the website) — leads the cardiology referral service (commenced January 2024); outpatient echocardiograms are also accepted.
•Barney (surgeon; from a review) — credited with removing a “challenging cancer” completely.
•Gisela Caliz and Emma Buffet (from a review) — described as being on duty overnight for an emergency eye rupture, taking control of the situation, and being empathetic and reassuring while assessing the dog thoroughly.
•Chris (from a review) — one owner says he persisted when others “gave up,” and they felt this gave their dog “2 more brilliant years.”
•Reception/front-desk team (from a review) — singled out for support and empathy during an end-of-life visit.

Reviews

4.8 stars from 383 reviews.

•Complex eye referrals come up repeatedly, including perforated/ruptured eyes, attempts to save vision, and (when needed) eye removal.
•Clear explanations and practical guidance: owners mention thorough exams, comprehensive advice, and being shown how to give treatments at home.
•Support during emergencies and difficult outcomes: multiple reviews describe calm handling of urgent cases (including overnight/bank holiday visits) and compassionate care during euthanasia.
•Cost is noted as high by some owners, with comments like “extremely pricey” and “not cheap,” alongside statements that they felt the team “tried their best” and provided specialist-level care.

Reviews for Optivet Referrals Ltd

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 383 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Lauren Coyne

a week ago

Lovely friendly staff, to have to visit for something so upsetting has my dog having its eye removed. Everyone there was kind compassionate and helpful.

Danielle Read

What can I say about this place. They're incredible. My dog's eye was perforated and they managed to save his eye and his vision through emergency surgery. The care from the moment you walk through the door is second to none and you can tell the people that work at Optivet Referrals really are here for the animals.

Ian Smith

2 weeks ago

Excellent, caring practitioners. Incredibly responsive and really looked after our dog during her surgery.

Jackie Poole

a month ago

Excellent service. My dog Tommy had been referred for eye trouble. Very thorough examination and comprehensive advice. Including being shown how to administer treatment

Julie Wilton

Absolutely brilliant, such lovely people working there. It was extremely pricey but that's vets I guess

Miriam Oconnor

Had to bring my beloved dog Rosie to them on a bank holiday. Unfortunately, she had go to sleep. Staff were very caring and empathetic. The receptionist was truly outstanding and caring, I can’t remember her name. She is definitely a credit to your practice, lovely lady.

Jason Unsworth

6 months ago

Recently we were referred to OptiVet (Hampshire) as an emergency, following our gorgeous Frenchie suffering a rupture of her eye. As you can imagine, this was incredibly stressful and traumatic, both for our gorgeous girl and ourselves! This was all made worse by the fact it occurred during the early hours of the morning, between 2am and 3am! All I can say is thank goodness for Gisela Caliz and Emma Buffet who were both on duty that night. Both Gisela and Emma were able to take control of the situation and almost immediately put us all at ease. Both were very empathetic and reassuring, which is exactly what we needed at that moment. Gisela was truly fantastic, both with our gorgeous girl and ourselves. She was very thorough with assessing the situation, whilst still being gentle, caring and sympathetic. I cannot thank Gisela and Emma enough for all their support and care throughout. I would recommend OptiVet without hesitation.

Shona Robinson

7 months ago

Amazing place with a Amazing people. just would like to say a really big thank you to you all especially chris when all other vets gave up on my diesel chris you didn't and gave me 2 more brilliant years with my boy and he got to move to the USA and play and have a happy end of life thank you so much ❤️

Heather Burt

8 months ago

The vets , nurses, staff are always caring, pleasant and helpful. Have been going to Havant for over 4 years and always been informed of what is going on with my dog. They also have all the specialist kit that many local vets do not have. They are not cheap especially when you can no longer insure your dog but the care of the animals is second to none. Sadly i had to use their services last week with a sad outcome but i felt everyone tried their best for me and my little dog.

Debbie Saunders

10 months ago

I am beyond words of how grateful I am with the amazing care you're team gave my Elvis, thank you so much 💖. Barney his surgeon who removed the challenging cancer in its entirety I don't know how I can ever thank you enough. You were truly his knight in shining armour, 🌟, thank you