CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) Exams

Due to the time that it takes to complete the paperwork required and to allow time for your dog's eyes to dilate, we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. This will help us to keep on schedule for your appointment and for following appointments. 

What is CERF?

CERF is an organization that was founded by breeders and owners that recognized that the quality of their dogs lives were being affected by heritable eye disease. CERF works with board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to accomplish the goal of eliminating heritable eye diseases. When a CERF exam is performed, data is also collected to look at research trends in eye diseases and breed susceptibility to those diseases. 

Procedures

Upon arrival, a technician will dilate each of your pet's eyes. This is done by simply applying a drop to each eye. While you are completing the necessary paperwork, the eyes will dilate in time for the exam by the ophthalmologist. Dr. Beaumont will perform an exam on each eye to evaluate for any potential heritable ocular diseases. 

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Dog's date of birth
• AKC registered name
• AKC registered number
• Microchip number

Required Forms

Once you arrive at Animal Eye Specialists, we will provide you with the paperwork that is necessary for the CERF exam. Currently, there is not a downloadable form since the form is imprinted with Animal Eye Specialists information and is on a three page carbon copy form. Each dog that is examined needs an individual CERF form filled out.

Other CERF information

• An appointment is required to have a CERF exam performed
• In order to have a CERF exam done, the patient needs to be at least 8 weeks of age
• Certification is good for 12 months from the date of the eye exam
• Annual re-examination is recommended due to the fact that an ocular disease can appear at any stage in your dog's life

If more information is needed about CERF's please visit http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.HTML

For more information about DNA based diagnoses of inherited diseases of dogs please visit http://www.optigen.com/