Case Study: Optivet Referrals – The Ophthalmology Connection

Case Study: The Ophthalmology Connection

This case study highlights how Minerva Innovation Group supported Optivet Referrals, a specialist veterinary referral hospital in Havant, Hampshire, through the R&D tax relief process.

Choosing the right R&D adviser means working with a team capable of translating complex technical work into a compliant R&D claim.

At Minerva Innovation Group, our academic expertise, consultant-led model, and legislation-driven approach ensure that clients feel supported at every stage of a transparent process.

Operating at the forefront of veterinary ophthalmology, Optivet Referrals undertakes extensive clinical research aimed at advancing patient care and refining specialist surgical and medical techniques.

Their commitment to ethical, evidence-based practice drives a continuous programme of scientific enquiry, although the team had not previously recognised that this activity could fall within the scope of R&D tax relief.

“We weren’t aware that you could claim back research and development costs. We simply viewed our research and the papers we produce as part of our ethical commitment to improving outcomes for patients worldwide.”

— Robert Lowe, Founder and Director, Optivet Referrals

Minerva Innovation Group’s involvement began with a detailed assessment of Optivet Referrals’ ongoing research activities and their associated costs. The team worked closely with Optivet Referrals to build a clear picture of each project’s objectives, methods and uncertainties, to ensure that every eligible element of the research was captured accurately and in line with HMRC requirements.

As a time-limited business owner, they noted the value of being able to delegate the process with confidence.

“The team at Minerva Innovation Group quickly understood what we were trying to achieve and were able to present our work clearly for HMRC. Their detailed approach has given me real confidence in our ongoing R&D submissions.”

— Robert Lowe, Founder and Director, Optivet Referrals

Driving Clinical Innovation in Animal Health

Optivet Referrals is a leader in veterinary ophthalmology and specialist clinical disciplines. It undertakes continuous research aimed at improving surgical and medical outcomes for animal patients. These projects contribute to global veterinary knowledge and reflect Optivet’s longstanding commitment to ethical and evidence-based practice.

Optivet Referrals and Minerva Innovation Group shared a unique connection through their focus on ophthalmology. Optivet’s advanced clinical research programme aligned closely with Minerva Innovation Group’s expertise in securing R&D tax relief for specialist scientific work.

Minerva Innovation Group’s Director, Adam Pearce (né Hammerschmidt), also has a personal connection to ophthalmology, having completed his master’s research in the field. In fact, the photographs featured at the beginning of this newsletter were taken by Adam himself during his postgraduate research, highlighting the first-hand scientific experience underpinning Minerva’s approach to specialist R&D claims.

Minerva Innovation Group: Specialists in R&D Funding

Minerva Innovation Group is a boutique research and development funding specialist that supports UK and Irish businesses in accessing R&D tax relief. The team combines technical expertise with extensive experience in producing HMRC-compliant R&D documentation for small and medium-sized enterprises.

We have a track record of securing substantial financial benefits for clients by clearly identifying qualifying research activities and carefully documenting the advancements being pursued. Our approach is thorough, efficient and highly collaborative, ensuring that innovative organisations can maximise the support available to them.

By translating complex clinical research into a clear HMRC-compliant submission, Minerva Innovation Group enabled Optivet Referrals to secure R&D relief with confidence and minimal disruption.

If you would like to learn more about how Minerva Innovation Group can help you maximise your financial returns, contact us here.