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About The Eye Vets

Our Purpose and Mission

PURPOSE

At The Eye Vets, we have two big motivators. First, to enhance the lives of animals by providing excellent eye care, preserving vision, and promoting overall comfort and well-being. Second, to act as a reliable, accessible, and compassionate resource to our referring veterinarians whenever they need our assistance with their patients.

MISSION

Our mission is to be the leading veterinary ophthalmology practice in Middle Tennessee (and beyond), dedicated to delivering the highest standard of eye care for companion, exotic, and livestock animals. We strive to offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, innovative techniques, and compassionate service to ensure optimal ocular health and improved quality of life for our patients.

“Will forever be grateful for Dr. Ben Bergstrom’s care & expertise. Our Sphynx cat, Cowboy, had some ongoing eye issues (conjunctivitis) so we finally decided it was best to take him to a specialist. Dr. Bergstrom is very thorough, has perfect bedside manner, & his medicine is top notch... Visits never felt rushed & he always took the time to answer all my questions... Beyond grateful and can’t recommend Dr. Bergstrom and his compassionate team enough!”

–ELKA

Our Values

Excellence

We are committed to excellence in all aspects of our practice, from diagnosis to treatment. We continuously seek to stay at the forefront of veterinary ophthalmology, embracing advancements and utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible care.

Compassion

We deeply care about the well-being of animals and their human companions. Our team is driven by empathy and compassion, ensuring that every patient receives personalized attention and gentle treatment throughout their journey with us.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork. We work closely with referring veterinarians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care and the best outcomes for our patients. By fostering strong relationships and open communication, we create a supportive network that benefits both animals and their owners.

Education

We are passionate about education and strive to empower pet owners with knowledge. We take the time to explain diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive measures, enabling informed decisions and proactive pet care. We also aim to educate the veterinary community through workshops, seminars, and sharing our expertise.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards and act with integrity in all our interactions. Trust is essential to us, and we are committed to maintaining transparency, honesty, and professionalism in every aspect of our practice. Our recommendations and actions are always guided by the best interests of the animals in our care.

Innovation

We embrace innovation and advancements in veterinary ophthalmology and across veterinary medicine in its entirety. We continually seek out new techniques, technologies, and research to enhance our diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and abilities to communicate with referring veterinarians and pet owners alike. By embracing innovation, we strive to provide cutting-edge care that improves outcomes, enhances patient comfort, and advances the field of veterinary ophthalmology.

These values form the foundation of our veterinary ophthalmology practice, guiding us in our commitment to excellence, compassion, collaboration, education, integrity, and innovation. Together, they guide us as we work tirelessly to improve and preserve the precious gift of sight, and comfort, for our beloved animal companions.

Meet the Team

Want to join our team? Check out career opportunities here.

Dr. Ben Bergstrom, DVM, MS, DACVO

Dr. Bergstrom is originally from the rural, small town of Rockton, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2009 followed by his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2013 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then completed a one-year Small Animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia in Athens. Immediately following his rotating internship, he traveled back to the Midwest where he completed a three-year residency in Comparative Ophthalmology at Purdue University in 2017.

As a board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Bergstrom began practicing here in Nashville in 2017. Around the same time in 2017, he began working with a veterinary telehealth company and quickly grew a passion for telecollaboration because of its ability to provide the highest quality veterinary care with a broader reach. While working as an associate ophthalmologist in Nashville, his entrepreneurial dreams of owning his own hospital began. Those dreams became a reality in the fall of 2023, when Dr. Bergstrom launched The Eye Vets in Bellevue. Through a combination of in-person consultations and telecollaboration, Dr. Bergstrom aims to provide compassionate, innovative veterinary eye care to the greater Nashville area and beyond.

Dr. Bergstrom met his wife, Tara, while attending the University of Illinois. Together, they have a beautiful daughter named Stella, and three beautiful fur kids named Agnes, Henry, and Opal. In his free time, he enjoys fitness, freshwater and in-shore saltwater fishing, traveling with his wife and daughter, and spending time with friends, and family.

Dr. Kayla Waler, DVM, MS, DACVO

Dr. Waler grew up in South Florida and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Florida in 2012. She then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University in 2016 where she developed her passion for ophthalmology. Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and stayed to complete a three-year ophthalmology residency and M.S. degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences.

Upon completion of her residency in 2020, Dr. Waler became a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and moved to Seattle, Washington, where she practiced for three and a half years. Dr. Waler is passionate about client communication and education and is excited to be back on the East Coast as a part of The Eye Vets team.

In her free time, Dr. Waler enjoys exploring the outdoors, practicing yoga, and spending time with her husband, Mattheos, and her one-eyed dog, Fetty.

Dr. Michael Minaldi, DVM, MS, DACVO

Dr. Minaldi is originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University for undergraduate college. He then attended LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2019. Following graduation, Dr. Minaldi moved to Nashville and completed a one-year rotating internship at Nashville Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Minaldi spent one year working in a visual sciences research laboratory at Vanderbilt University Medical Center prior to moving to Starkville, Mississippi in 2021 to complete a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Minaldi became a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist in 2024.

Dr. Minaldi is excited to be back in Nashville with his family including his wife, son, and black Boxer, Ruby. In his free time, Dr. Minaldi is an avid LSU fan (Geaux Tigers!) and enjoys exercising, traveling, visiting U.S. National Parks, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his son at the park.

Dr. Lou Laratta, DVM, DACVO

Lou Laratta received his veterinary degree from Michigan State University followed by an internship and residency in Comparative Ophthalmology at New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. He became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) in 1985.

Dr. Laratta came to Tennessee in 1986 as an Assistant Professor at University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where he trained students, residents and general practitioners on basics and advances in Veterinary Ophthalmology. He soon realized the need for ophthalmology support in all of Tennessee. In 1991, Dr. Laratta opened the first full-time specialty practice in our state serving Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Kingsport/Johnson City. The focus of this practice was to serve the community of Veterinarians and companion animal owners on the best medical and surgical treatments available. Dr. Laratta continued with clinical practice while also engaging in professional development of aspiring ophthalmologists serving in the ACVO. With the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Laratta stepped back from clinical practice.

He and his family live in Franklin TN. Hiking and music are some of his passions in addition to world travel.

Dr. Laratta is excited to join the team at The Eye Vets and work again with his former associate Dr. Ben Bergstrom.

Lauren

LVMT, Practice Manager

Lauren has worked in the veterinary industry since May of 2013 when she graduated with her degree in Veterinary Technology. She obtained her license in August of 2013. Lauren started her career in Georgia as a Registered Veterinary Technician working with horses and the occasional goat. After moving to Tennessee in 2015, she began her career in veterinary ophthalmology as a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

In 2017, she decided to shift her focus towards management and administrative duties within veterinary practice. This occurred roughly a year after she and her husband welcomed their first child. Lauren quickly realized the lack of work-life balance for veterinary teams and wanted to create an environment where veterinary professionals could thrive at work and at home.

Caroline

LVMT, Surgery & Inventory Manager

Caroline has worked in the veterinary industry since 2012. She graduated from Murray State University in 2012 and later obtained her LVMT. Since graduating she has worked alongside several veterinarians, all ranging in specialties from emergency, neurology and ophthalmology. She found her passion in anesthesia and surgery along the way. Her favorite part of working in the veterinary field is seeing a pet’s health turn around and the client’s positive reaction with a successful treatment.

Caroline was born and raised in Western Tennessee. She shares her home with her 3 fur babies: Griffin, Phillip Pickles, and Kitty Meow. In her free time Caroline enjoys gaming, hiking, gardening, antiquing, and going to concerts. One of her favorite quotes is “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”- Will Rogers.

Emily

Client Service Representative Supervisor

Emily studied veterinary medical technology in Asheville, North Carolina, but obtained her license in her home state of Tennessee after she graduated in August of 2013. She worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in general practice for 3 years before joining a specialty practice in veterinary ophthalmology. While there, Emily spent years as a surgery technician but eventually branched out to help everywhere from reception to pharmacy.

When Emily’s second daughter was born in 2021, she made the difficult decision to stay home with her two girls and become their primary caretaker. During this time, she began pursuing her master’s degree in Professional Studies and expects to graduate in summer of 2024. She lives in Bellevue with her husband and daughters and is thrilled that The Eye Vets is joining her amazing neighborhood!

Kayla

Veterinary Assistant

Kayla has worked in the Veterinary industry since 2010. Since attending The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Kayla has enjoyed her journey in the field alongside many great Veterinarians in emergency, general practice, and even shelter medicine. With her favorite being shelter medicine, Kayla thrives providing special care for animals that once were unlucky/unloved, and seeing them blossom in their new life!

Kayla was born in Nashville and raised in Greenbrier, Tennessee. She shares her home with her two dogs, Harvey and Bill. Kayla enjoys traveling, paddle boarding and cooking at home with friends and family.

Darby

Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician

Darby graduated from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2018 and then obtained her LVMT. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2015. She enjoyed a summer internship at Zoo Knoxville working in the grasslands department. Here she focused on elephants’ behaviors and overall health. After working in a general practice in East Tennessee she moved to Nashville to pursue a technician position in ophthalmology. During this time she enjoyed working in the surgery department. She loves being able to be a part of a team that is working towards enhancing a patient's quality of life.

Darby and her fiancé, Garrett, have two fur babies at home. A golden retriever named Cooper and an orange tripod cat named Jimmy. She enjoys traveling, reading and being outdoors.

Hannah

Veterinary Assistant

Hannah has worked in veterinary medicine since 2021. She went to Veterinary Technician school at Volunteer State Community College where she received an Associate’s degree of Science. She love’s to care for all the animals that need help!

She has always lived in the outskirts of Nashville. She purchased a home with her boyfriend Riley and has 3 dogs (Journey, Milo, and Liz), 1 cat (Hartt), and 9 chickens! She enjoys spending time with her fur and feather babies, her family, and loves being outdoors!

Julia

Veterinary Assistant

Julia started her veterinary career in 2007 as a client service representative and quickly fell in love with care for animals. In 2014, she decided she wanted to be behind the scenes and became a veterinary technician assistant. She has gained her experience working along side several veterinarians in general practices as well as speciality clinics. Her favorite part about being a veterinary technician assistant is being able to help the animals and improve their quality of life.

Julia was born in Clearwater Florida and is married and has a son. She also has 2 dogs, Fisher and Teddy, and 2 cats, Chuck and Dory. In her free time she loves to travel and make memories with her family in their camper.

Penny

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Siarah

Veterinary Assistant

Siarah is an aspiring veterinarian who entered the field in 2018. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Biology from MTSU and is currently taking part in Ashworth’s Technician Program. She has worked in shelter medicine as well as general practice. She enjoys reading and rooting on the Georgia bulldogs! She is excited to be working for The Eye Vets!

Allison

Veterinary Assistant

Allison began working in Veterinary Medicine in 2020. After graduating from Tennessee Tech University with a bachelor’s of Political Science and concentration in Legal Studies, the track to law school was well on its way. However, after spending time reevaluating her future and true passions it was always came down to a love for animals and the importance of their care. Beginning in customer service and later evolving into a surgery tech role, Allison has made her aspirations and development in veterinary medicine a main priority. She began her vet med career in emergency medicine, with some time in general practice and now is eager for the opportunity to take on specialty. Allison’s favorite part of being in this industry is the opportunity to see and use skills and innovation to prolong a patient’s quality of life.

Allison was born and raised in Tennessee and recently bought a home in middle Tennessee with her fiancé and SIX fur babies. Three dogs and three cats take up most of her time; but when not entertaining animals, Allison enjoys being outdoors with her fiancé, fishing, kayaking and birdwatching. She also enjoys painting and photography. Allison is so excited to join The Eye Vets as the next step in her career and be a part of the modernization of ophthalmology in veterinary medicine.

Rene

Client Service Representative

Rene recently relocated to Tennessee from South Dakota after graduating from Black Hills State University. At a young age Rene worked with her grandfather who owned a dog boarding kennel in Montana specializing in training hunting dogs. This is where her love for animals started.

Rene's family always had her surrounded with animals from dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, cattle, horses and other livestock. Throughout her career Rene worked in events and hospitality she developed 9 years of customer service experience but as much as she loved working with people she missed working with animals.

Rene is ready to serve you and your pet to make your experience exceptional because she understands that they aren't just a pet they are family.

In Renes' free time she likes to hike and be outdoors, paint, bake, travel, and spend time with her 4 nephews.

Brenna

Client Service Representative

Brenna is originally from a small town in Central California. She moved to Nashville in 2020 to be with her now fiancé, Tristan, who works in the music industry. She has worked with animals since 2014, starting her career by volunteering at an animal shelter in her hometown. Brenna’s passion for animals and their owners has only grown since then. She has a history of animal care as a dog handler at several boarding and daycare facilities and she has dog and cat grooming experience.

She lives with her fiancé and their two dogs, Indie and Leeko, and their two cats, Dirt and Stevie. During her free time, you can find her at the lake paddle boarding with her dogs or at home caring for her plants. She is very excited to be a part of The Eye Vets team, and she looks forward to providing excellent customer service to both you and your pets!

Want to join The Eye Vets?

Step inside The Eye Vets!

We currently reside in a temporary space. We worked incredibly fast to give the space a “face lift,” and are so happy with how it all came together. In less than a year, however, The Eye Vets will move next door to a fully renovated, 5,000+ square foot building. We will take you along on our journey over the next year as we watch the new space come to life!