BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme

For over 30 years BVA (British Veterinary Association) has operated a hereditary eye disease screening programme in conjunction with the Kennel Club (KC) and the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS). The main purpose of the scheme is to ensure that there is no evidence of hereditary eye disease in dogs used for breeding. The scheme now covers 11 hereditary eye conditions in over 50 breeds of dog.

There are two categories of inherited eye disease:

  • Congenital (present from birth)
  • Non-congenital (acquired later in life)

The scheme tests for the following congenital conditions:

  • Glaucoma
  • Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
  • Retinal dysplasia
  • Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
  • Congenital hereditary cataract

And the following non-congenital conditions:

  • Hereditary cataract
  • Primary lens luxation
  • Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (gPRA)
  • Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy

Breeders are advised to submit dogs for annual eye tests, since some diseases have late onset of clinical signs.

It is also possible for litters to be tested for congenital hereditary conditions such as Collie eye anomaly and Multifocal retinal dysplasia when they are between six and twelve weeks of age.

Examples of Test Results :

  • Unaffected
  • Unaffected (Litter Screening)
  • Observation made - refer to owner
  • Affected CEA
  • Affected GPRA
  • Affected HC
  • Affected MRD
  • Affected PHPV
  • Affected PLL
  • Affected POAG
  • Affected PPM
More Eye Examination Information (opens a new window)

BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is a mandatory test for the following breeds :

BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is a recommended test for the following breeds :

BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is an optional test for the following breeds :

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