Celebrity vet leads masterclass for visually impaired children

Dr Scott Miller introduces visually impaired children to animals

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Dr Scott, who has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, talked Harvey, 14, Scarlett, 14, Gabriella, nine, and Corben, six, through a full inspection using touch to check for any problems with the animals.

He explained how important it is for a vet to rely on their other senses, not just sight, and told the class what feels normal in an animal, so they could notice when there’s a problem.

Scarlett, who was born with albinism and bilateral nystagmus, said: “I have albinism, the same as the ferret. I met Dr Scott Miller and that was really cool. I just love animals so much really.”

Dr Scott said: “My advice to anyone that wants to be a vet is that you must have perseverance, you need to show your passion, you need to show your commitment, and work hard in school.”

He praised the masterclasses – which were organised by Guide Dogs – and the impact they have on young people.

Dr Scott added: “Guide Dogs really does incredible work – not only do they provide dogs to people with sight loss, but they are also the UK’s leading provider of child services for the visually impaired.”

Harvey, who also took part in the masterclass at Dr Scott’s practice in Richmond Hill, London, was only registered as visually impaired two years ago, despite having bad sight from a young age.

The 14-year-old, who has left school due to bullying, recently opened up to his mother and admitted he preferred animals more than people, because he knows he can trust them.

He has developed a strong bond with reptiles, which is highlighted by his five-strong collection of snakes. One day, Harvey hopes to become a breeder.

Also on the trip was Gabriella, who was told she needed glasses in 2019. However, the nine-year-old’s eyesight has continued to deteriorate, and she has since been diagnosed as severely sight impaired.

Despite struggling with her condition, she has made huge strides to get to grips with it and is learning braille.

Her determination and hard work even inspired her primary school teacher to learn braille, too.

Gabriella even wrote in braille to Dr Scott, which she read to him at the masterclass.

With a passion for horses, she hopes to become a vet as well.

A spokesman for Guide Dogs, said: “We want to make every dream count by empowering children and young people with vision impairment to make their dreams come true.

“Nothing should hold you back from reaching your goals, and we hope these classes really help spark an enthusiasm for not only the people attending the class, but their parents and friends who can help and be part of their loved one’s journey.”

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