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Ophthalmology workshop by Dr Ulrike Lessiak

Dr Ulrike held a workshop on diagnosing and treating eye conditions in animals.

Dr Ulrike, a veterinary ophthalmologist from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Austria, has generously volunteered her expertise to the veterinary team at Sepilok.

During a one-day workshop, a group of 14 veterinary surgeons, including OAUK’s Dr Yohind and Sepilok’s head vet Dr Nabila, received specialist training in diagnosing and treating eye conditions, a critical area of expertise for the health and wellbeing of the orangutans.

Dr Ulrike standing behind a wooden podium with a presentation board behind at Sepilok.

While the team is highly skilled, the specialised knowledge in veterinary ophthalmology that Dr Ulrike brings is invaluable. Eye conditions can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat due to their complexity and the delicate nature of the eye. Having access to advanced training helps to ensure the team can provide the most effective care possible.

Attendees to ophthalmology workshop standing in a row.

Orangutans rely heavily on their vision for daily activities. Eye problems can severely impact their quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness or other severe complications. Dr Ulrike’s training equips the team with the skills to identify and address these issues early, preventing long-term damage and ensuring the orangutans lead healthy, active lives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Ulrike for her generosity and dedication. Her contribution will have a lasting impact on our ability to care for the orangutans at Sepilok.

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