OFA CAER Eye Exam for Dogs: What It Tests and Why It Matters

The Canine Inherited Eye Disease (CAER) examination — formerly called CERF — is a standardised eye exam performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Results are submitted to and tracked by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). For breeds prone to inherited eye conditions, CAER certification is one of the most important health tests a stud dog should have.

What the CAER Exam Checks

The CAER exam is a hands-on examination of the entire eye — not a DNA test. The ophthalmologist evaluates:

• Eyelids: Entropion, ectropion, distichiasis (extra eyelashes)
• Lens: Cataracts (various forms), lens luxation
• Retina: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Retinal Dysplasia, Geographic Retinal Dysplasia
• Optic nerve: Colobomas, optic nerve hypoplasia
• Cornea: Corneal dystrophy, persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)
• Other structures: Iris abnormalities, vitreous disease

How CAER Differs From DNA Eye Tests

The CAER exam finds clinically expressed disease — conditions that are already visible. DNA tests (for PRA, hereditary cataracts, etc.) detect whether a dog carries specific disease alleles before clinical signs appear. Both are important:

• CAER: Catches conditions that DNA tests do not cover, confirms clinical eye health
• DNA tests: Predict carrier status and breeding risk for specific mutations

Many breed clubs require both: a current CAER exam AND breed-specific DNA eye tests for breeding dogs.

How Often Is CAER Needed?

CAER certification expires annually. Unlike OFA hip and elbow results which are permanent once passed at age 2+, CAER must be repeated each year to remain current. A stud dog listed as "CAER certified" should have a certificate dated within the past 12 months.

Breeds That Especially Need CAER

Border Collies: CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly), PRA-rcd1, TNS Labrador Retrievers: HNPK, hereditary cataracts Golden Retrievers: PRA, PRCD Shetland Sheepdogs: CEA, PRA, von Willebrand Disease Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Cataracts, PRA Portuguese Water Dogs: PRA-prcd Siberian Huskies: Hereditary cataracts, corneal dystrophy Australian Shepherds: CEA, PRA, MDR1

How to Verify CAER Results

All CAER results submitted to OFA are publicly searchable at ofa.org. Search by the dog's registered name or OFA number to verify the date and results of the most recent exam.