Eye Scheme for dogs

What is the Eye Scheme?

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) screening programme for hereditary eye disease in dogs is run in conjunction with the Kennel Club (KC) and the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS).

The BVA/KC/ISDS Eye scheme is based on eye examination and is a means of identifying inherited and non-inherited ocular conditions in dogs. The majority of dogs presented for examination under the Eye Scheme are pedigree dogs with known inherited diseases of the eye, but all dogs, including cross breeds, can be examined. This approach reassures breeders that the dogs they are to use for breeding have healthy eyes and the inclusive approach means that new and emerging problems are more likely to be recognised.

The aim of the Eye Scheme is to reduce or eliminate the incidence of inherited eye disease.

The examination process and appeals procedure (23.2 KB PDF)

We recommend that breeders submit dogs for annual eye tests as some diseases have late onset of clinical signs.

It is possible for litters to be tested for congenital hereditary conditions such as Collie eye anomaly and Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia when they are 5 to 12 weeks old.

For more information you can download the recently updated Hereditary eye disease in dogs leaflet (1,475 KB PDF) - also available to order using our order form (131 KB PDF).

You can also read this blog post by Sheila Crispin, Chief Panellist of the Eye Scheme, Why should we check the eyes of older dogs?

Find out more

• What is the eye Scheme? (27 KB PDF)
• Schedule A: List of breeds and conditions certified under the eye scheme (127 KB PDF)
• Schedule B: List of breeds and conditions that are currently under investigation (11.6 KB PDF) 
• Primary glaucoma and Goniodysgenesis leaflet (28 KB PDF)
• DNA testing for inherited eye diseases in dogs – FAQ’s (106 KB PDF)

How do I get my dog's eyes tested?

There is a list of BVA appointed eye panelists who can issue certificates under the scheme and you can make an appointment with them directly or through your own veterinary surgeon.

Often breed clubs will arrange for a BVA panellist to attend a specially arranged eye testing session or to examine eyes as part of an organised dog show. This arrangement allows many dogs to be examined on one occasion and may save time and money.

When taking a dog or litter of dogs for examination owners should remember the following:

• The scheme is open to all breeds including crossbreeds
• All dogs must be permanently identified (by microchip or tattoo) before examination and certification and the identification will be verified prior to the examination
• Puppies presented for litter screening do not require a microchip or tattoo at present
• You must have the relevant KC or ISDS owner registration document with you in order to present your dog for an eye test and certification
• Wherever possible, you should also provide any previous eye certificates issued for your dog
• It is possible for dogs without permanent identification (PI) to be examined, but this should be arranged through a referral consultation and will be outside the scheme; therefore, no certificate will be issued and the fee will be determined by the individual panelist
  
• There is no sliding scale of fees for Gonioscopy which is separate from routine eye examination
  

Eye panellists

There are 40 appointed eye panellists around the UK and Ireland who can issue official certificates.

Details of our eye panellists (46 KB PDF)

Find your nearest eye panellist

Dates and locations of eye examination sessions - May ( 214 KB PDF)

Dates and locations of eye examination sessions - June ( 202 KB PDF)

Cost of examinations

Publication of results

Eye Scheme results are only published where a specific condition is known to be inherited and certified as such.

The Kennel Club are responsible for publishing eye results for all pedigree dogs in the Kennel Club Breed Records Supplement and on progeny registration certificates.