European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Procedure for the Eye Examination

The following should be available at time of examination:

  • the animal's registration document;
  • the result of any previous examination and certification.

The owner and/or his agent will present the animal for examina­tion together with the documents referred to above. If these documents are not available, then examination can be underta­ken but the Certificate will not be issued until the Panellist has been forwarded the registration document.

Prior to the examination of the animal the owner or his agent must sign the completed first part of the Certificate, verifying that the details given in that section are correct. The tattoo or microchip of the animal will be checked. The owner is made aware that the result of the examination will be published.

Animals presented under the Scheme will have a gene­ral examinati­on of the eye and adnexa. This includes the use of a mydria­tic (an eye-drop that widens the pupil) and the minimum equipment to be used are a slitlamp biomicroscope (at least 10 x magnification) and a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. The use of other equipment is optional.

Details of all lesions and condi­tions found at the time of examina­tion, whether relating to hereditary eye disease or not, is schematically drawn and/or written in the descriptive comments section in the middle of the Certificate.

Once the examination has been completed, the results are recorded on the Certificate, including details of the site and type of any lesion present. Any information considered appropriate by the Panellist will be included in the com­ments secti­on. The Certificate is then signed and issued by the Panellist.

The results are registered according to the routines and instructions of the national Scheme. Breeding advice is given by the national Scheme (Kennel Club or Breeding Club).