Our Staff

Beth Gibbins, DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Your pet will be examined by Dr. Beth Gibbins, DVM, a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO).  

Within the recent past, new knowledge, instrumentation and techniques in veterinary medicine have made it possible for specialist to receive advanced training in particular fields.  Specialists are now available to work with your referring veterinarian to help provide optimal patient care.  There are numerous specialty groups or boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Membership is gained after successfully completing a residency program and completion of written, oral and practical examinations.  There are currently less than 300 diplomates in the ACVO.

Dr. Beth Gibbins is originally from Anniston, Alabama.  She received her B.S. in Biology from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina in 1992 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 1996.  Following graduation, she practiced general small animal veterinary medicine.  It was during these years in general practice that a passion for veterinary ophthalmology developed.  In 2000, she returned to Auburn University and completed a one year veterinary ophthalmology internship followed by a three year veterinary ophthalmology residency.  In 2004, she joined the specialist at the Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center and founded the Animal Eye Center.  Dr. Gibbins is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, the Mid- States Veterinary Medical Association and the Jefferson County Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Gibbins lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her two Boykin Spaniels, Hanna and Chase.  Chase is a registered Delta Society® Pet Partner®.  Together Dr. Gibbins and Chase volunteer with Hand In Paw, a non-profit organization which provides Pet Partner® teams as therapy in medical, social service, and educational settings.

Dr. Gibbins is a member of the Boykin Spaniel Society and Boykin Spaniel Rescue, and is a foster mom for Boykin Spaniels.  When she is not spending time with her dogs, Dr. Gibbins also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, water skiing and tennis.

Kathy Welch, LVT

Kathy “K.K.” Welch is a licensed veterinary technician and a member of the Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society.  K.K. graduated from Snead State Junior College Veterinary Technician Program in 1992 and entered small animal private practice.  In 1999, Kathy joined the Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center as a veterinary technician.  In 2004 when Dr. Gibbins founded the Animal Eye Center, Kathy brought her years of experience and dedication to the profession to our practice.  Kathy has been involved in veterinary medicine for the past 16 years, taking time off periodically to raise her two children, Will (9) and Kayla (6).  She has been married for 13 years and enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs (Aaka chan 3 and Cooper 6 months), riding her 4-wheeler, and spending time outside.  Kathy’s diverse experience in veterinary medicine and her high level of compassion are a great contribution to our practice.

Kate Thomas

Kate has been working in the veterinary field since 1996.  She spent three years at a mixed animal private practice and five years in emergency veterinary medicine.  In early 2005, Kate joined Animal Eye Center.  Kate’s pleasant personality, attention to detail, and ability to multitask make her a great and cheerful receptionist.  Kate spends her free time with her four dogs, Jake, Molly, Sadie and Gracie and with her two very snobby felines, Emily and Baby.  When not caring for her four legged kids, Kate’s hobbies include horseback riding, ballroom dancing and gardening.

Elizabeth Larose
Christopher Willmon, LVT