Are you considering breeding your dog? Deciding whether to breed a dog involves much more than evaluating temperament, structure, or pedigree. You need to consider every aspect of the animal’s health and well-being, right down to those sweet, soulful eyes. An OFA CAER eye exam is a specialized screening exam for breeding dogs, not a routine wellness check. The process supports OFA eye certification for dogs by documenting observable eye findings and applying breed-specific guidance.
Animal Eye Care of New England provides specialty veterinary eye care and has performed many OFA CAER eye exams for breeders in the Boston, MA, and Providence, RI, areas. This exam helps breeders obtain important information about observable inherited eye disease. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can examine your pet’s eyes for abnormalities, focusing on issues that may influence breeding decisions and the health of future generations. If you are researching a CAER eye exam for dogs, inherited eye disease testing for dogs, or an OFA eye exam veterinary ophthalmologist, we are here to help! Understanding what this screening can and cannot tell you is a useful place to start.
What Is an OFA CAER Eye Exam?
An OFA CAER eye exam evaluates a dog for observable eye abnormalities, with particular emphasis on looking for potentially inherited conditions. The information gathered during the exams helps breeders make more informed decisions. It also contributes to broader knowledge about animal eye disease and breed susceptibility.
CAER stands for Companion Animal Eye Registry, a program involving the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Only ACVO Diplomates are authorized to perform ACVO CAER screening examinations. An ACVS Diplomate is a veterinarian board-certified as a specialist in veterinary surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. This requirement is very important because veterinary ophthalmologists complete advanced specialty training on eye diseases and disorders. If you have searched for a veterinary ophthalmologist near me or are looking for a canine eye specialist to work with on your breeding program, CAER credentials are an important distinction to check.
You may occasionally encounter the term CERF when speaking with longtime breeders or reading older records. CAER is the current program; CERF refers to the previous eye registry system. Although some still use the older term, we prefer the current terminology, as it keeps health records, breeder conversations, and certification information clear.
How is a CAER eye examination for dogs carried out?
Your dog’s pupils will be dilated before the examination so that the veterinary ophthalmologist can examine internal eye structures more effectively. The screening uses specialized techniques including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, which focuses on the front of the eye, and indirect ophthalmoscopy, which focuses on the back, to evaluate the eye structures, including the cornea, lens, vitreous, retina, and optic disc. The ophthalmologist also records any relevant abnormalities found during the exam.
When you come in for the exam, please bring your dog’s registration and identification details so we can complete the examination record accurately. For breeders, this information includes your dog’s full registered name, breed, date of birth, sex, registration number, and permanent microchip identification, if applicable. Having these details ready will help the appointment and the following registry process go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The CAER examination screens for inherited eye conditions and abnormalities. It should not be confused with other types of veterinary eye examinations. Routine CAER screening does not automatically include other tests, such as tear-production measurement, corneal staining, eye-pressure measurement, electroretinography, or ocular ultrasound. However, we may recommend further tests if we do notice anything unusual that warrants further investigation.
What Eye Conditions Can Affect OFA Eye Certification for Dogs?
Inherited and congenital eye disorders can involve many different parts of the eye. Their severity varies by condition and sometimes by breed. Current ACVO guidance includes screening for conditions that will affect the pet’s comfort or vision, as well as those that can be passed on. Conditions that affect breeding recommendations include cataracts, glaucoma, certain forms of retinal dysplasia, lens luxation or subluxation, retinal detachment, optic nerve abnormalities, and progressive retinal atrophy. Check current ACVO Genetics Committee guidance for more information and to determine the significance of each for certification and breeding.
Don’t assume that every abnormal finding is a huge problem. Dogs with minor abnormalities may qualify for a “Breeder Option” designation. This means the abnormality is documented but does not threaten the pup’s comfort or vision. In these cases, the dog may still qualify for certification with that notation. Other findings carry a recommendation against breeding because evidence suggests heritability and potential effects on vision, comfort, or ocular function, or both.
Specialized screening is more useful than judging a dog’s eyes by appearance. Your pup’s eyes may look normal, but some ocular changes are subtle and can only be detected with specialized exams that use tools such as magnification and dilation. Also, a dog may seem perfectly comfortable at home yet still have an observable abnormality that could get worse over time. These things should definitely be considered before breeding.
OFA CAER Eye Exams and Inherited Eye Disease Testing for Dogs
A CAER examination looks at your dog’s observable phenotype, that is, the features you can see clinically during the examination. It does not show every genetic variant a dog may have; it documents only those observable on the day of the test. A dog deemed clinically normal can still have a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing and other health checks supplement, rather than replace, a CAER examination.
While genetic testing looks for particular known variants, an ophthalmic examination can detect physical changes in the eye, such as alterations in blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. This is especially helpful for conditions with complex inheritance patterns or when no definitive genetic test is available. What can help you decide which screenings are appropriate for your dog? Consult your breed club, your veterinarian, your veterinary ophthalmologist, and current OFA recommendations.
Our knowledge of eye diseases also changes as researchers gather more clinical and genetic information. The ACVO Genetics Committee frequently reviews ocular disorders and breeding recommendations, and CAER examination data helps us understand trends and breed susceptibility. By participating in screening, you learn about your dog while also providing data that can advance general knowledge of canine health.
Why Are Repeat Eye Exams Recommended for Breeding Dogs?
Passing a normal examination today does not rule out the possibility of an eye disorder developing down the road. In some cases, inherited or supposedly inherited ocular diseases do not manifest until later. Therefore, major changes might show up even if an earlier screening showed normal results. For this reason, OFA eye certification is valid for one year, and we recommend breeding animals have their eyes examined annually.
Repeat screening is especially relevant when a dog remains active in a breeding program over multiple years. An updated OFA CAER eye exam gives you current information rather than relying on findings from an earlier stage of your dog’s life. This ongoing approach can also help document changes that may become clinically visible as your canine companion ages.
Annual screening should not discourage you if your dog has previously passed. Instead, it reflects the biological reality that eyes can change over time and that some inherited conditions aren’t apparent in young dogs. Current information gives breeders a stronger basis for thoughtful decisions than a single examination performed years earlier.
What Happens After the OFA CAER Eye Exam?
The veterinary ophthalmologist notes the findings either on the correct CAER documentation or via the OFA system. If the results satisfy the relevant requirements and you have carried out the OFA submission procedure, your dog will be given an eye certification number. Successful results, as well as those that qualify for the breeder option, can be included in the OFA record.
The examination itself and OFA certification are related but distinct steps. The ophthalmologist performs and documents the screening, but the owner must submit the required documents for certification. Keeping copies of your dog’s examination and certification records can make it easier to maintain an organized health-testing history for your breeding program. This is also just good practice.
If an abnormality is identified, don’t view the result as a simple pass/fail judgment of the dog’s worth. The finding provides health information that can guide your next decisions. Some abnormalities may warrant additional diagnostic evaluation or monitoring. A veterinary ophthalmologist can explain the observed condition or abnormality, focusing on the dog’s health, comfort, and vision. Current breeding guidance is mainly significant for breeding purposes and programs.
How CAER Screening Supports Thoughtful Breeding Decisions
Responsible breeding requires looking beyond a single test result. Consider eye screening alongside other breed-recommended health evaluations, pedigree information, genetic testing, temperament, structure, and overall health. The goal is to gather useful information before making decisions that can influence puppies and future generations.
CAER data also has value beyond an individual breeding pair. Examination results collected through the program help monitor patterns of ocular disease and breed susceptibility, giving veterinary specialists, breed organizations, and breeders a larger body of information to study. That shared information can help guide evolving recommendations as knowledge about inherited canine eye disease grows.
For puppy buyers, documented health screening can also provide useful information about the steps a breeder has taken before producing a litter. No health screening can promise that every puppy will remain free of eye disease throughout life. It can, however, demonstrate that breeding decisions were informed by recognized screening practices rather than appearance or family history alone.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has helpful information on its site: https://ofa.org. You can also browse a directory of breed-specific health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About OFA CAER Eye Exams
Who can perform an OFA CAER eye exam?
An OFA CAER eye exam must be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist who is an ACVO Diplomate. Board certification shows that a veterinarian has completed more advanced specialty training in veterinary ophthalmology than a basic veterinary degree. This distinction matters most when health testing is part of a breeding program.
The ACVO helps owners find Diplomates. Likewise, the OFA refers owners who want CAER examinations to board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. When scheduling, always confirm that the specialist performs ACVO CAER examinations for OFA eye certification.
How often does a breeding dog need a CAER eye exam?
OFA eye certification is valid for one year from the date of the examination. A past normal examination is not valid past that point, and does not permanently rule out future eye changes. Dogs should be re-examined each year if they are to be bred. It’s important to repeat the examination, since some inherited or presumed-inherited eye diseases may not become apparent until later in life.
Reviewing current requirements before breeding can help you plan examinations at useful intervals.
Is a CAER examination the same as a complete medical eye exam?
No. A CAER examination is specifically intended for detecting hereditary or assumed hereditary eye abnormalities which are relevant to breeding. It does not normally include all the diagnostic tests that might be carried out during a full medical ophthalmic examination. These diagnostics include things like testing of eye pressure, testing of tears, corneal staining, ultrasound, or electroretinography.
If a dog shows signs of redness, squinting, discharge, cloudiness, obvious pain, or vision changes, contact your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist right away. A medical examination will be needed to determine the cause.
Can a dog pass a CAER exam and still carry an inherited eye disease?
Yes. A CAER examination only documents and evaluates observable eye findings. A dog with clinically normal eyes can still carry a genetic variant associated with inherited disease. While the CAER examination provides valuable information, it does not replace other breed-specific DNA tests or other recommended health screening.
This is why responsible breeding decisions may draw on several sources of health information. Breed-specific genetic tests, pedigree information, repeated ophthalmic screening, and other recommended evaluations can and should complement one another. Ask your veterinarian and breed organization for help identifying current screening recommendations relevant to your dog.
Schedule an OFA CAER Eye Exam With a Boston, MA Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Animal Eye Care of New England offers specialty veterinary eye care for breeders seeking an OFA CAER eye exam and guidance from a veterinary ophthalmologist serving the Boston, MA, and greater New England region. Whether you’re searching for a veterinary ophthalmologist near me, an eye vet, or a veterinary eye specialist, we are here for you! Schedule an appointment to have your dog’s eyes professionally evaluated before your next breeding decision.
This article provides informational content and is not a substitute for individualized veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist about medical concerns, diagnosis, screening recommendations, and treatment for your dog. Follow the recommendations provided for your individual dog and breeding situation.
For breeders and pet owners throughout New England, Animal Eye Care of New England offers specialized ophthalmic care, including service to Boston, MA; Providence, RI; and Bridgeport, CT. Visit our Services page for an overview of our veterinary ophthalmology care, or learn more about Diagnostics, Lens, Retina, and Glaucoma as they relate to eye examinations, inherited conditions, and breed-related ocular health.
