Natasha is an appointed panelist for eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Canine Health Schemes.

The main purpose of the scheme is to identify inherited eye disease in dogs used for breeding, so that breeders can make informed decisions. The scheme is open to all dogs, including crossbreeds, and dogs do not need to be Kennel Club registered. Litters can be screened for congenital hereditary eye disease when puppies are 5 to 12 weeks of age, and all puppies must be microchipped before examination. Some breeds may also require gonioscopy, which assesses the drainage angle of the eye and helps identify dogs at increased risk of glaucoma.

Usually, drops are applied to dilate the pupils, so please arrive 20 minutes early for the appointment to allow time for this. For gonioscopy, local anesthetic drops are used and, in some cases, mild sedation may be needed. It is essential that your dog is microchipped and that the original Kennel Club registration document and most recent previous eye test certificates, if applicable, are brought to the appointment. If the required paperwork is not available on the day, the examination can still be performed, but the completed certificate will be withheld until the documentation has been provided.

Following the examination, a certificate is issued recording the findings. Results are recorded as Clinically Unaffected or Clinically Affected, except for gonioscopy, which is graded.

Appointments are available in Newport, Co. Tipperary, and also once monthly in Cork (Sunbeam Vets, Blackpool) and Galway (Ark Vets, Knocknacarra). Cork and Galway appointments should be booked directly with those clinics.

Examinations at a reduced rate are available for groups of 25 dogs or more.

Please email if you wish to enquire further about group testing.