Emeritus Professor Peter Bedford.

Emeritus Professor Peter Bedford has been recognised by the RVC for his contributions to the profession.

Emeritus Professor Peter Bedford has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for his contribution to the veterinary profession.

A graduate of the RVC, Professor Bedford is currently an Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology at London University. He received the honour during the RVC's Principal's Dinner, which took place at Saddlers Hall, London, on 27 April. 

Professor David Church, deputy principal and acting vice-principal at the RVC, said: “Peter is a wonderful example of someone who has immersed himself in being an excellent clinician and an outstanding educator. His commitment to the discipline of veterinary ophthalmology remains as strong today as it was when he was appointed as the RVC’s first lecturer in Ophthalmology over 40 years ago.”

During his illustrious career, Professor Bedford spent time as a surgeon and a lecturer at the RVC and pursued a range of ophthalmologically-focused research programmes. He also established hereditary eye clinics within the veterinary and breeding communities. 

A Diplomat of both the RCVS and the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Professor Bedford became the first GDBA Chair of Canine Medicine and Surgery at the RVC and has authored more than 230 publications.

He has received numerous accolaides for work in veterinary ophthalmology and received the Kennel Club’s International Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 for his work in hereditary ocular disease. 

Commenting on his achievement, Professor Bedford said: “I am grateful that the RVC gave me the chance to teach and research veterinary ophthalmology. Fortunately, I was in the right place in the very early days in the development of the discipline and the support and encouragement I received from the RVC has meant so much to me in my career. I am truly honoured to have my work recognised by my alma mater in this award of its Honorary Fellowship.”

Image (C) RVC.