Robert graduated from Bristol University in 1998 having already developed an interest in ophthalmology. After a 2-year postion in mixed practice, he undertook a 3-year residency at Bristol in equine ophthalmology gaining his Certificate in Ophthalmology in 2002. He then spent the next 3 years working with Martyn King in a private small animal ophthalmology referral practice in Hampshire before Martyn moved back to Australia and Robert took on the referral business founding Optivet Referrals in 2006. He passed his RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2011.