About Animal Eye Specialty Center
Our Facility and Staff
- Dr. Robert D. Larocca, DVM, DACVO, Founder and Practice Co-Owner
- Dr. Hannah Flanders, DVM, MS, DACVO, Practice Co-Owner
- Dr. Melissa Lively, DVM, DACVO
- Clinic Director: TJ Larocca
- Business Director: Matt Flanders
- Staff Manager/Lead Technician: Jane
- Clinic Manager/Technician: Brittany
- Technicians: Jennifer, Ashley, Melissa, Emily, and Amisa
Dr. Robert Larocca
Dr. Larocca received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. and then attended and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from the University of Florida. After completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Larocca worked in a small animal practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Next he completed a three-year residency in veterinary ophthalmology at Auburn University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and a board certified ophthalmologist.
Dr. Melissa Lively
Dr. Melissa Lively received her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Science at the University of Minnesota. Prior to vet school, Dr. Lively worked as a technician for many years with Dr. Larocca. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Minnesota. After completing a one-year rotating medicine and surgical internship at North Carolina State University, Dr. Lively completed a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency, also at NCSU and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist and a board certified ophthalmologist.
Dr. Hannah Flanders
Hannah Flanders grew up in Andover, Minnesota. She received a bachelor’s degree from University of Minnesota, Morris during which she also played NCAA women’s volleyball. Her interest in veterinary ophthalmology began during her undergraduate degree while working as an assistant at Animal Eye Specialty Center. Hannah received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, Madison before completing a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Iowa State University. She completed her ophthalmology residency and while earning a master’s degree in clinical science from Colorado State University.