medical director
Alex LoPinto, DVM, DACVO
Dr. Alex LoPinto is the Medical Director of VEC. A graduate of New York University and then Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, he completed a rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, prior to his ophthalmology training. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and became a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
After residency, Dr. LoPinto moved to New York City to join a large, busy specialty hospital in Brooklyn where he managed a wide range of ophthalmology cases. Dr. LoPinto launched Veterinary Eye Center in order to establish a veterinary practice that focuses exclusively on ophthalmology. Dr. LoPinto’s clinical interests include cataract surgery, corneal diseases, and corrective eyelid procedures.
In his free time, Dr. LoPinto enjoys traveling, photography, tennis, and exploring the city.
Manhattan
Clara Williams,
DVM, DACVO
Dr. Clara Williams is originally from Colombia. She completed her residency and Masters in Science at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, becoming a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Prior to moving to New York City, Dr. Williams worked in San Francisco and the Boston area. Dr. Williams is enjoying sharing her skills and experience with the pets of New York.
Ashley Zibura, DVM, DACVO
Dr. Ashley Zibura grew up in rural Maine. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and neuroscience from Brandeis University, followed by a Master of Science degree in biomedical science from Colorado State University. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. After spending a year in a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery rotating internship at the University of Minnesota, she completed a residency in comparative ophthalmology at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Zibura’s clinical interests include: corneal disease, cataract surgery, corrective eyelid surgery, and management of ocular pain.
In her spare time, Dr. Zibura enjoys traveling, running, exploring the city, and watching movies with her husband and their three rescue dogs and one rescue cat.
Andréa Minella, DVM, PhD, DACVO
Dr. Andréa Minella received her DVM and PhD from Michigan State University, during which she studied inherited retinal degenerations in cats and novel treatment strategies such as gene therapy and genome editing.
Dr. Minella completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Wisconsin, followed by a Comparative Ophthalmology residency at the University of California, Davis.
A native Long Islander, Dr. Minella is thrilled to be back home in New York. She is a foodie and lover of the arts, particularly dance, and in her spare time enjoys exploring local events, cuisine, and artistic performances.
Becky Telle,
DVM, DACVO
Dr. Becky Telle is originally from Alabama. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University for both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. She then completed a rotating internship at The University of Tennessee. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, as well as Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
After residency, Dr. Telle returned to Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology. During her four years at MSU, Dr. Telle managed a variety of ophthalmology cases in the busy small and large animal hospitals while also teaching students, interns, and residents. She was very active in research and admissions into the veterinary college and really enjoyed sharing ophthalmic knowledge with students and clients. Dr. Telle's clinical interests include glaucoma, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and microsurgery.
In her free time, Dr. Telle enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, discovering new venues and restaurants, and spending time with her scruffy best friend, Mr. Lou. They can't wait to explore New York City together!
Dr. Steve Hanes, VMD, MS
Dr. Hanes is originally from northern New Jersey. He completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University, and his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Following school, Dr. Hanes completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Florida, and a comparative ophthalmology residency at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.
While in training, Dr. Hanes was heavily involved in clinical research, with a primary focus on cataract surgery and glaucoma development in dogs. His main clinical interests include corneal and cataract surgery, as well as management of feline ocular diseases.
In his free time, you can find Dr. Hanes exploring the abundant restaurants & breweries in the city, traveling, and hanging out with his two cats, Shrek & Bernard.
State-of-the-art to provide the best eye care for your pet.
Experienced and specialist-trained team.
Our team of highly skilled licensed veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care coordinators bring have years of experience working with pets in emergency and specialty settings. They bring their experience, passion, and commitment to ensuring your pet receives the very best care.
Your pet is our priority – Ensuring your pet is comfortable, healthy, and visual is our mission.
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Hell's Kitchen & Chelsea
Long Island City
Chelsea