Meet the Team

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. 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. 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. 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. Telford’s professional interests include cataract surgery, novel therapeutics and surgical techniques, and the integration of advancing technology in ophthalmology. He is committed to delivering innovative care for his patients whilst providing an exceptional client experience. Outside of work, Dr. Telford values personal health and fitness. He enjoys competing in many sports, including tennis, golf, pickleball, and sand volleyball. He is also passionate about mid-
century modern architecture and design. At home, he shares his life with Coraline, his blind cat, who inspires his dedication to helping animals with vision challenges.

Dr. Hickox was born and raised in the suburbs of Dallas, TX. She attended Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. During vet school, Dr. Hickox developed a passion for ophthalmology
after her family adopted a blind Golden Retriever puppy with congenital cataracts. In pursuit of specialty training, she then went on to complete a one-year small animal rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Colorado. Dr. Hickox now joins our team as an ophthalmology intern and emergency veterinarian, allowing us to serve patients that require same-day referral. Outside of work, Dr. Hickox enjoys spending time outdoors with her two Golden Retrievers, traveling, supporting Texas A&M Football, and enjoying good food with family and friends.