UF Veterinary Hospitals
Caryn E. Plummer, DVM, DACVO
Associate chair and professor in comparative ophthalmology at UF College of Veterinary Medicine.
A proud native of Florida, Dr. Caryn Plummer earned her biology degree from Yale University in 1997 and graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She went on to complete a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Michigan State University, followed by a residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Florida. In 2006, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Plummer joined the UF College of Veterinary Medicine faculty as an assistant professor in 2006 and is now a tenured professor. Her research focuses on corneal wound healing, glaucoma, and immune-mediated ocular disease. She has presented extensively across the U.S. and internationally on topics in clinical veterinary ophthalmology and ophthalmic disease models, particularly glaucoma.
She is a contributing author for the 4th, 5th, and 6th editions of Veterinary Ophthalmology by Gelatt, and served as an associate editor for the 6th edition. Dr. Plummer is also a founding member of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC), where she currently serves as secretary/treasurer and sits on the Board of Directors. In addition, she chairs the Vision for Animals Foundation Glaucoma Consortium.
Despite her already impressive schedule, Dr. Caryn Plummer makes it a point to give back to her community through volunteer work. On a regular basis, she visits the Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm, providing on-site services to horses in need. She also plays a key leadership role in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists-Epicur Pharma National Service Animal Eye Exam event, which offers free eye screenings to service animals. This year’s event is just around the corner, taking place on May 16.
Check out this member spotlight below from IEOC to learn more about Dr. Plummer.
IEOC Member Spotlight Interview
by Dr. Brian Gilger, DVM, DACVO
Do you like to ride horses?
I do! Riding is a bonus, but just being near them, their beauty and grace and their horsey grassy smells brings joy!
If yes how/when did you start, and if you have a horse(s) now tell us about Her/him/them?
I was a painfully shy child and my parents tried everything under the sun to bring me out of my shell and give me some confidence. Nothing worked until they put me in riding lessons and 4H. My forever horse was a Paint gelding named Miami Vice who toted me around in all around – Western, English, Showmanship, you name it. He came complete with a bald face and the most beautiful blue eyes… an ultimately developed adnexal SCC… I am currently without a horse, but my delightful pet chickens fill a bit of the void.
How did your interests begin with horses either personally or clinically?
My youth spent with horses and in 4H provided me the background knowledge and language to interact credibly with horse owners and trainers in a professional veterinary setting. I am truly grateful for those formative experiences. I was very fortunate to have a tremendously busy equine caseload during my ophthalmology residency. Those were the cases that fed my soul and kept me going.
What is your ophtho background (training/experience)?
University of Florida DVM and ophthalmology residency. Go Gators!! Something must be good about the place because I never left!!
Clinical interests (could be outside equine or ophtho)?
Fungi! Birds! All things feline!
What is your research passion?
I think the cornea is the most elegant structure there is, so it makes sense that its response to injury and infection would fascinate me. But I’ve come to really love and hate uveitis and have a newfound appreciation and admiration for the Appaloosa!
What do you like to do for fun?
Travel! Especially adding on a few days of holiday in and around our wonderful IEOC meetings! Hiking, reading, thinking up witty names for my hens, bee-keeping, gardening, SCUBA and enjoying a good cocktail!
Please provide one bear or wisdom to share.
Consider the source.
