COSAM News Articles 2015 February COSAM alumna spotlight: Meredith Voyles

COSAM alumna spotlight: Meredith Voyles

Published: 02/19/2015

Meredith Voyles, ’96, ’01, ’11, is a veterinary ophthalmologist currently practicing at Veterinary Ophthalmology Services in Nashville where she specializes in animal eye disease. After receiving her veterinary degree from Auburn in 2001, she spent nearly six years in general small animal practice in Fairhope, Ala. Voyles returned to Auburn University in 2006 joining the faculty as the Community Outpatient Clinician.

“I have always been fascinated with ophthalmology, especially since I had eye surgery myself in college,” said Voyles. “When I was in vet school, I would spend extra time with the faculty ophthalmologist, and I developed a passion for the specialty. While in practice, I realized how many ophthalmic problems our pets have, and I decided to pursue specialty training.”

She completed her ophthalmology residency and master’s degree in 2011 and served as the Faculty Ophthalmology Clinician until 2013. In her current position, Voyles sees patients in both the Nashville and Chattanooga offices, and once a week, performs scheduled surgeries.

“I love being able to improve an animal’s vision,” said Voyles. “Whether it involves cataract surgery, controlling glaucoma, or repair of a corneal wound, when an animal is able to regain its personality because vision is restored or discomfort is controlled, my job is complete.”

While the majority of her patients are small animals, Voyles serves as the primary ophthalmologist for equine patients and had 80 equine appointments in 2014.

“Last week, my surgeries included corneal repair on a dog, eyelid repair on a cat, and a surgical procedure for glaucoma on a horse, so my job is never boring,” said Voyles. “It also includes occasional visits to the Nashville Zoo to treat kangaroos, lizards, owls and other animals with various ophthalmic abnormalities.”

Watching patients thrive and live happily with their owners is one of the many joys of her career.

“I am amazed how well animals adapt to vision loss and how other senses enable them to lead a completely normal life with a few adjustments,” said Voyles. “Communicating with pet owners is very important, and my experience enables me to assure them that the bond between them and their animal will sometimes become even stronger despite vision loss.”

She credits the College of Sciences and Mathematics for providing a solid academic start.

“COSAM classes will teach you discipline and will definitely prepare you for post graduate career,” said Voyles. “The classes allowed me to develop good study habits which were greatly used in veterinary school. You also develop relationships with classmates that often extend into graduate studies.”

Voyles met her husband, Kevin, while in a COSAM class and they have two daughters.