Driving Excellence in Eye Care

Dr. Alexander Silvester, Chairman of the veonet Medical Board and a global leader in Ophthalmology
Dr. Alexander Silvester, MBChB (hons), MSc, MBA, CMgr, FCMI is an Ophthalmologist and Chief Medical Officer at SpaMedica that combines a wealth of knowledge, real-world experience, and a forward-thinking approach to improving vision care:

• Alex has a special interest in epidemiology and big data.
• He was a member of the Vision Loss Expert Group, contributing to providing global technical leadership aimed at better understanding and developing epidemiological estimates for blindness and visual impairment.
• His research has been published in leading journals like The Lancet Group, British Journal of Ophthalmology, and British Medical Journal.
• He worked in reducing the use of topical antibiotics after routine cataract surgeries, earning a nomination for a Public Health England Antibiotic Guardian Award.
• He is a regular speaker at renowned international conferences, including the The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he frequently shares his insights on enhancing cataract surgery outcomes, risk stratification, and clinical governance.

As Chairman of the veonet Medical Board, Dr Alexander Silvester plays a key role in shaping strategies to enhance patient outcomes and care standards.

Mr Felipe Dhawahir-Scala (SpaMedica, UK) is a distinguished Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, practicing in Manchester.

• He earned his medical degree from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1996 before training in ophthalmology in England.
• At the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, a globally recognized center of excellence, he serves as the Director of Acute Ophthalmic Services and a Vitreoretinal Surgeon. 
• His clinical expertise spans retinal detachment, macular holes, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and both simple and complex cataract surgeries. 
• Felipe Dhawahir-Scala plays a key role within SpaMedica and veonet, helping to advance ophthalmic care across the UK and Europe. As a veonet medical board member, he collaborates with leading specialists to shape clinical strategies, enhance patient outcomes, and drive innovation in eye health. Within SpaMedica, one of the UK’s largest providers of cataract surgery, he ensures the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient care, reinforcing his commitment to accessible, high-quality ophthalmology services.
• Beyond his clinical practice, he is deeply involved in research and education. He has published numerous scientific papers and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. 
• As the founding member and President of the British Eye Emergency Society (BEECS), he plays a pivotal role in advancing emergency eye care. Additionally, he serves as an examiner at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, assessing ophthalmologists worldwide.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, enhancing the patient-doctor relationship. His dedication to integrating innovative technologies and techniques reflects his commitment to delivering the highest standard of ophthalmic care.

Dr. Armin Scharrer is one of the senior veonet Medical Board members Dr. Armin Scharrer pursued his medical studies at the universities of Würzburg, Regensburg and Erlangen before specializing in Ophthalmology at the University-Eye-Hospital in Erlangen/Nuremberg.

• In 1983 Dr. Scharrer assumed the role of Chief Physician at the Fürth Eye Clinic and together with Dr. Ober, expanded the practice in Fürth into several regional medical care centers, which were later unified under the name of Ober Scharrer Group (OSG).
• Dr. Scharrer was one of the pioneers in Europe in modern Cataract and Refractive surgery. 
• In 1988 he was co-founder (with Thomas Neuhann) of the DOC (International Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgery), one of the most important eye surgery meetings in Europe. 
• He is President of the DOC e.V. (German Society of Ophthalmic Surgery), he chairs the board of the BDOC (Professional Association of German Ophthalmic Surgeons) and additionally he chairs the board of OcuNet GmbH & Co. KG, the association of the leading private eye-clinics in Germany.

Dr. Scharrer's wisdom and forward-thinking approach play a key role in shaping the vision of veonet, striving for excellence across Europe while remaining dedicated to advancing ophthalmic care through clinical oversight, active participation in innovation, and professional development initiatives—all with a steadfast focus on patient well-being to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of ophthalmic care

Dr. José Luis Güell, is a key member of the veonet Medical Board and a pioneer in Corneal and Refractive Surgery. Dr José L. Güell is dedicated to corneal transplant surgery, refractive surgery and anterior segment reconstruction

• He is an Associate Professor in IMO’s master programme and coordinates the Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at IMO Miranza in Barcelona.
• He has been President of the ESCRS and EuCornea and is still a director in both companies.
• He also coordinates the anterior segment modules at ESASO (European School of Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology) and is currently a Board Member of the Cornea Society in the United States and member of the Medical Board of the veonet group.
• Dr. Jose L. Güell areas of interest are full and partial thickness corneal transplantation (Deep Anterior lamellar keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasty), complex cataract and anterior segment reconstructive procedures including permanent keratoprothesis surgery (artificial cornea).
• Refractive surgery specially excimer and femtosecond laser, iris claw-style phakic IOLs and intracorneal ring segments have also been areas of his interest.
• He has lectured since 1991 nationally and internationally on these topics. He has 700 Conferences/talks in National and International Meetings and 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals and several book chapters.
• During his career Dr Jose L. Güell, has received numerous awards from some of the most prestigious professional bodies and associations.

As part of the veonet network, Dr. Güell continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ophthalmology, contributing to veonet’s mission of delivering world-class eye care across Europe.

Dr. Elena Arrondo is another distinguished member of the veonet Medical Board and plays a signifiant role in shaping the future of Ophthalmology through her expertise and dedication.

• She has been developing her expertise in glaucoma and ocular hypertension over the last 20 years 
• Elena is currently focused on the medical and surgical treatment of all types of glaucoma with special interest in glaucoma associated to high myopia, secondary glaucoma (related to cornea, uveitis and retina diseases) and childhood glaucoma.
• She has wide surgical experience with the safer and more effective glaucoma treatment techniques such as deep sclerectomy, MIGS procedures and glaucoma drainage devices like valves and tubes, alone or combined with cataract surgery.

Passionate about providing high-quality glaucoma care and improving lives through better eyesight, Dr. Elena Arrondo truly exemplifies the values of veonet.

Dr. med. Theo Signer is a highly experienced ophthalmologist and Chief Medical Officer at Vista Gruppe since 2019.

• During his career, Dr. Signer has held various key positions, including Chief Physician at Vista Klinik, Binningen since 2015, and Deputy Chief Physician from 2011 to 2015.
• He has had specialized training in vitreoretinal surgery under the guidance of renowned experts such as Dr. Peter Senn and Professor Christian Prünte.
• Additionally, Dr. Signer completed a glaucoma surgery fellowship at University Hospital Cologne and has been certified as an ophthalmic surgeon and ophthalmologist by the Swiss Medical Association (FMH).
• His extensive experience includes roles as a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmology Resident at Ospedale Civico Lugano, Lucerne Kantonsspital and Vista Klinik Binningen.
• Dr. Signer's academic background includes a medical degree from the University of Zurich.

With a career spanning over two decades of professional experience in Ophthalmology, Dr. med. Theo Signer is no stranger to the intricate complexities of eye health and surgery. Together with the other members of the #veonet medical board, he is shaping the future of the field—exchanging on cutting-edge treatments and enhancing the quality of care of our patients.

 

Dr. Caroline Schier Wyss is a member of the veonet Medical Board and the driving force behind the commitment to training ophthalmologists.

• Dr Schier Wyss has been working in medical education and training in Switzerland for over 20 years.
• Her focus is on clearly structured and well-founded training of young ophthalmologists, whom she personally supervises as a tutor.
• Sharing her knowledge and passing it on to a new generation of opthalmologists is very important to her.
• In addition to traditional didactics, Caroline focuses on workplace-related assessments. Appreciation within her own team and towards patients, sustainability, ethical issues in medicine and the creation of new working time models are important to her, as she sees this combination as an investment in the future.

Dr. Caroline Schier Wyss plays a key role in the veonet Medical Board, fostering collaboration across countries, guiding the next generation, and sharing knowledge and best practices—all contributing to improved patient outcomes across Europe.

Dr. Joeri de Hoog is another outstanding member of the veonet medical board

•  Dr. Joeri de Hoog, is an ophthalmologist with over a decade of experience in the field and a focus on VR surgery and uveitis.
• He serves as the medical manager of five VR-surgery @Eyescan clinics across The Netherlands, while also practicing as a Uveitis specialist at @Amsterdam University Medical Center.
• Joeri is currently the president of the Dutch Vitreoretinal Society, a role he has held since 2000.
   
• Additionally, he leads the veonet expert group focused on #Sustainability, reflecting his commitment to advancing healthcare in a responsible way.

His dedication to patient care and sustainability set a remarkable standard in modern Ophthalmology.

Dr. Bart Eneman is another key member of the veonet Medical Board bringing extensive international experience, spanning multiple countries.

• He got his medical degree from University Leuven in 1999 and then pursued ophthalmology specialist training across leading institutions in Belgium and the UK.
• Dr Eneman graduated as an ophthalmologist in 2003 and embarked on a career that took him across multiple international institutions and roles as Research Doctor and Ophthalmologist at the Mayday University Hospital in London (UK), the OLV Hospital in Aalst (Belgium) and Maaslandziekenhuis in Sittard (Netherlands).
• Since 2012, Bart has been practicing at Zuyderland Eyescan oogzorgkliniek, where he has been a Medical Manager since 2018 and a member of the Eyescan Medical Board since 2023.
   
• His areas of expertise include premium intraocular lenses and anterior segment surgery, where he consistently demonstrates his commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

As part of the #veonet Medical Board, Dr Bart Eneman continues to shape the future of eye care, inspiring progress across the field.