Veterinarian
Internal Medicine – Ophthalmology
Dr. Stephanie C. Bell is a native of North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Science from UNC at Chapel Hill in 2001 (Go TarHeels!). Dr. Bell graduated with Phi Zeta honors from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Following graduation, she spent three years in private primary care practice in North Carolina. She completed her rotating internship at the University of Tennessee from 2009-2010 and residency in Comparative Ophthalmology at the University of California Davis from 2010-2013. Between 2013-2019, she practiced in Texas and North Carolina as an Ophthalmologist before landing her dream job at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. Equine ophthalmology is Dr. Bell’s passion. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Her clinical interests include immune-mediated ocular disease, corneal disease, microsurgery (corneal and cataract surgery), blepharoplasty and other adnexal surgery, and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Her primary research as a resident focused on novel therapeutics for Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU). Currently she is working on studies involving Eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), prevalence and description of ocular abnormalities in foals of various breeds, and success of treatments for keratomalacia. As a veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Bell feels it is her duty to restore and/or maintain quality vision when possible and comfort always. Providing therapies for visual, pain- free, cosmetic eyes to her patients is essential. She loves bonding with her patients and their owners. Dr. Bell is an avid music fan; her most influential musical inspiration is Waylon Jennings. She enjoys horseback riding, walking with her dogs, live music, songwriting, and spending time with family, friends, and beloved animals. She has been known to perform duets with her dad. Dr. Bell shares her heart with her Golden retriever mix June Carter, pit/heeler/street dog mix Beaucephus Williams, long-haired dachshund Stoney Keith Earle, Golden retriever Jolene May, English cream retriever Mikey Townes Houser, boss cat Levon Helm, and her newest addition Great Pyrenees mix Janis Caroline Joplin. She adores her handsome spunky off-the-track thoroughbred horse, Lukas Colter Prine.
BS Biology/Chemistry University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, DVM North Carolina University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ophthalmology Residency University of California at Davis
DVM and DACVO Kentucky and North Carolina
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association, Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners, Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Manager’s Club
