Dr. Westermeyer joined the NC State Veterinary Medicine team on January 20, 2015 as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He grew up in Chile, South America. After obtaining his Veterinary Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, he completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee.

Following a research fellowship at the University of California, Davis, he returned to the University of Tennessee to complete his residency training in Comparative Ophthalmology. Immediately after completing his residency, Dr. Westermeyer moved to Hong Kong for four years and worked in private practice. His research interest is in modulation of scarring after glaucoma valve surgery.

Dr. Ines Dineli Bras graduated from Purdue University in 1995. In 2000, she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Louisiana State University. Dr. Bras completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in 2001. From 2001 to 2004 she completed a residency in Comparative Ophthalmology at The Ohio State University in conjunction with her Master's of Science Degree focusing on the canine lens and posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery. While at Ohio State,

Dr. Bras was the recipient of the hospital service award for her dedication to patients and clients. Dr. Bras is a Diplomate and board-certified member of The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. She is currently the president of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation, and has served as a board member for 8 years. She is an international speaker, and has participated in seminars in the United States, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, England, and Ireland. Dr. Bras is a member of the AVMA, LAVMA, and the CMVPR.

Dr. Bras' special interests in ophthalmology include cataract and glaucoma surgery. Dr. Bras is the pioneer in endolaser surgery for glaucoma, and has developed the surgical approach and technique in canine and feline patients.

James graduated from the University of Bristol with distinction in 2002. He spent 5 years in general practice where he developed his passion for veterinary ophthalmology. He achieved European Specialist status in 2011 and has worked as a Specialist in several referral hospitals in the UK. James has extensive experience in research, is widely published in the scientific literature and has completed a PhD in the genetics of canine glaucoma. His main research interest is the genetics of inherited eye diseases which is focussed on developing DNA tests to eliminate painful and blinding eye conditions of dogs and cats. James has also written a book on feline ophthalmology and has made contributions to other textbooks on various aspects of veterinary ophthalmology. He is actively involved in the teaching and training of vets in their pursuit of improved understanding and post graduate qualifications in this field. James is current Chair of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ Education and Residency Committee.