Meet the Team

What is a Veterinary Ophthalmologist?

A veterinary ophthalmologist is a doctor who has completed four years of undergraduate studies, four years of veterinary school, at least one year of internship, a three year accredited residency in ophthalmology, and has successfully passed the extremely difficult examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Following all of this, the individual becomes board-certified in ophthalmology and gains the title of Diplomate. This training program prepares the doctor to be an expert in both the medical and surgical treatment of ophthalmic diseases of all animals.

DR. JOSEPH GERDING, DVM

DR. JOSEPH GERDING, DVM

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

Dr. Gerding was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After practicing as a family veterinarian, he returned to NCSU to complete a prestigious ophthalmology residency. Dr. Gerding successfully passed his specialty board examination on the first attempt to earn his Diplomate status in ophthalmology. Dr. Gerding has been published in numerous scientific journals on the subjects of general ophthalmology and equine ophthalmology. After practicing as a senior ophthalmologist in New York City, Dr. Gerding is happy to return home to North Carolina.

Dr. Gerding is highly trained in all aspects of canine, feline, and equine ophthalmology, as well as a special interest in exotic animal ophthalmology. He enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time. He shares his home with two Jack Russell Terriers and a French Bulldog.

DR. JAY HARRINGTON, DVM

DR. JAY HARRINGTON, DVM

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

Dr. Harrington is originally from a small town in Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, he completed an esteemed one-year internship at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a three-year ophthalmology residency at the same institution. During his residency, Dr. Harrington published many journal articles on the subjects of cataracts and laser therapy for glaucoma. Dr. Harrington successfully passed his specialty board examination immediately following his residency to earn his Diplomate status in ophthalmology. After practicing as a veterinary ophthalmologist in Brooklyn, New York, for four years, Dr. Harrington is excited to be back in North Carolina and provide his services to your pets.

Professionally, Dr. Harrington is interested in all aspects of ophthalmology, especially cataract surgery, corneal disease, and management of glaucoma. He also has a passion for equine ophthalmology. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities (such as running) and spending time with his family and friends.

DR. BRADLEY GRAHAM, DVM, MS

DR. BRADLEY GRAHAM, DVM, MS

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

Dr. Graham was born and raised near Great Falls, Montana. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and completed veterinary school at Colorado State University. Following a 1-year equine internship and 2 years in equine field service, he was accepted into the ophthalmology residency program at Colorado State University. Dr. Graham has been practicing veterinary ophthalmology in Colorado since 2004. He has conducted research in dry eye syndrome and has written journal articles and two book chapters. In 2020, he and his family moved to North Carolina to be near his wife’s family. He has always enjoyed his visits to North Carolina over the years and is excited to be living here.

Dr. Graham enjoys all aspects of veterinary ophthalmology in all species. He loves to help patients and their families through difficult situations. When he is not at the clinic, Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors of North Carolina. He also enjoys baking bread.

Dr. Jenelle Francis , DVM, MPH

Dr. Jenelle Francis , DVM, MPH

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

Dr. Francis was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri. She attended Rhodes College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. Dr. Francis obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri while concurrently earning a Master of Public Health degree. Following graduation, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Francis then traveled to New England where she completed a one-year specialty internship in ophthalmology followed by a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency at Tufts University. While at Tufts, she collaborated with colleagues in multiple research projects and was fortunate to work with various species including those in the large animal hospital, exotics ward, and wildlife service. Following residency, Dr. Francis is excited to join the team in North Carolina.

Dr Francis enjoys all aspects of ophthalmology with a special interest in corrective eyelid procedures, cataract surgery, and corneal disease. Dr Francis also enjoys working with exotic species, horses, and teaching. Outside of the hospital, Dr Francis enjoys cooking, working out, skiing, and traveling.

Dr. Elisabeth Collins, DVM

Dr. Elisabeth Collins, DVM

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)

Bio coming soon!

Dr. Olivia Bolus, DVM

Dr. Olivia Bolus, DVM

Ophthalmology Emergency Veterinarian

Bio coming soon!

Meet Our Staff

Our staff is committed to improving the overall quality of your pet’s life through the best practices in veterinary ophthalmology!

Veterinary Nurses

Lisa, RVT

Lisa's Bio

Lisa graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute in Colorado and became a registered veterinary technician in 1995. She then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked in general practice for two years. In 1997, Lisa began her career in veterinary ophthalmology. She has spent the last 23 years in ophthalmology practices and has worked with several different ophthalmologists over the years. Lisa joined the Animal Eye Clinic team in 2017. Her pets include a golden retriever, a yellow lab, a chihuahua, and a cat. She lives in Union County with her husband and her teenage son.

Kimberly

Kimberly

Kimberly's Bio

Kimberly has been in the veterinary field for eight years. Initially starting in general medicine, Kimberly found a deep interest in ophthalmology. She is currently obtaining her veterinary technician degree. During her free time, you can find her at home with her five dogs; Charlie, Lexi, Phoebe, Rosco, and Flora. She also enjoys horseback riding, hiking with her dogs, and spending time with friends.

Jen, RVT

Jen's Bio

Jen has been in the veterinary field for 24 years. She graduated in 2003 with her Associate’s Degree in applied science and nationally licensed as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She has spent the last 22 years in general practice while also working in emergency medicine for four years. Jen wanted to branch out and continue to expand her knowledge in the veterinary field, leading her to specialty medicine for the past two years. Jen lives in Belmont, NC, with her partner and has six dogs and three cats. She enjoys being with friends and family, going to the beach, kayaking during the summer, and camping.

Pam

Pam's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Cassie, RVT

Cassie's Bio

I was born in Maine and lived there most of my life, I moved to North Carolina in 2018 for the weather and change of scenery. Started in vet med after moving here and started at Gaston college graduating in 2021. I’ve worked in emergency, general practice, and now ophthalmology which I realized I have a passion for. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends, and relaxing with my three cats Benny, queso, and soup.

Janan, RVT

Janan's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Rachel, RVT

Rachel's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Kayleigh, RVT

Kayleigh's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Stephanie, RVT

Stephanie's Bio

Stephanie is a veterinary technician who joined the AEC team in March 2023 after moving back home to North Carolina. Stephanie has been in the veterinary field for 6 years and has worked in general practice, urgent care, and now ophthalmology. Her veterinary interests are surgical nursing, anesthesia, and diagnostic lab work. She is passionate about helping patients heal and helping them have the best quality of life that they can! Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her dog and cat, photography, and outdoor adventures.

Veterinary Assistants

Tim

Tim's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Erin

Erin's Bio

Bio coming soon!

MJ

MJ's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Kayla

Kayla's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Management

Ally, Hospital Director

Ally's Bio

Ally is originally from Mentor, Ohio. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC in 2011 and is currently pursuing her veterinary technician degree. Ally has over ten years of experience working with animals and a multitude of knowledge from emergency medicine, speciality surgery, and now ophthalmology. Ally enjoys anesthesia, high-quality patient care and is Elite Fear Free Certified. When not working, she is occupied with a plethora of pets at home that includes 4 dogs (including a pug named Funfetti), 3 cats, 2 snakes, 2 tarantulas, a leopard gecko and hamster. Other hobbies include spending time with her boyfriend, vegan cooking, and going to the gym.

Kellee, Hospital Director

Kellee's Bio
Kellee is originally from Virginia where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has a background in Hospitality Management but has always had a deep love for animals. Kellee took 8 years away from the workforce to stay home and raise her two children. When it was time to return to work she decided to pursue her love of animals and medicine. Her journey started as a CSR in 2020 for a general practice hospital while living in South Florida. Since moving to North Carolina and starting at AEC in 2022, Kellee has become passionate about ophthalmology, surgery and patient care. She is excited to continue her growth in veterinary medicine. In her spare time Kellee likes traveling and outdoor adventures with her family. She enjoys volunteering for Charlotte Animal Control and hopes to raise awareness for shelter needs and adoptions. Kellee’s 4-legged children consist of 2 dogs and 4 cats. Her children with scales are a leopard gecko and a hognose snake.

Emily, Hospital Administrator

Emily's Bio

Emily joined our team in 2020. She was born and raised in NC. She spent her early years of life on a farm. She started her professional career in veterinary medicine in 2013. She has worked in emergency medicine, general practice, dentistry, and now ophthalmology. When Emily is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, beloved American Pit Bull Terrier, and three cats. Her hobbies include vegan baking/cooking, gardening and watching True Crime.

Patient Care Coordinators

Emily

Caitlin

Caitlin's Bio

Bio Coming Soon!

Emily

Zaria

Zaria's Bio

Bio Coming Soon!

Emily

McKinsey

McKinsey's Bio

Bio Coming Soon!

Emily

Diamond

Diamond's Bio

Bio Coming Soon!