The 7th annual ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam event will provide a free eye exam to active program-trained and certified working dogs! This includes Service Dogs which are task-trained to help disabled individuals as well as other working dogs such as Police Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Detection Dogs and Military Working Dogs.

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is developing a database that can be used in the future to identify potential eye problems associated with the tasks that certain groups of working dogs perform. Your working dog may be eligible to participate in this study. To find out if you qualify, please visit their website. Ophthalmologists participating in this event will donate their time to provide free examinations across the United States and Canada during May 2014.

Because of space, this free event will be limited to active “working dogs” that were certified by a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program.

While the ACVO would like to offer these services to everyone, this free event will be limited to active “working dogs” that have graduated or been certified by a formal training program or organization — or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Owner-trained and privately-trained Service or Working Dogs do not qualify simply because because there are limited doctors and appointments available.

During the examination, the ophthalmologist will examine the eyes to determine if there are any abnormalities. The aim is to identify problems early. Some abnormalities might need to be treated to prevent or delay progression. Other sight-threatening problems such as retinal disease, cataracts, or glaucoma can be identified. The exam requires no sedation, requires minimal restraint, is non-painful, non-stressful, and usually takes 10-25 minutes.

We’re proud to announce that we’re once again an official supporter of the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam! Please remember that you will need to provide a formal training certificate from a national, regional or local training program in addition to your registration agreement if you wish to participate.