The Czech ophthalmology group started its work in 1999. There are 6 eye examiners so far who passed an examination under supervision of prof. Bernard Spiess, Tierspital Zurich, CH.

The examination had two parts--a practical and a theoretical. Practical part started by eye examination using own examination equipment, next was slide show of 15 cases, written part and presentation of own hereditary case. One condition was to use own equipment recording positive and questionable cases to have possibility to discuss them.

The minimum equipment to be used for the examination is a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and a slit lamp biomicroscope (at least 10 x magnifications). The use of other equipment (gonioscopy lens, tonometry, ERG, etc.) is optional.

It is necessary for all members of the Czech panel to participate in continue education. Every year we have working meeting with main speaker--member of ECVO (for ex. Prof. B. Spiess, prof. P. Bedford, prof. E. Bjerkaas). Topic was CEA, hereditary cataract, condition of cornea.

First year we did 600 dogs examined under the schema, last year 2800.

Every second year we are organizing meeting with The Czech union of breeders clubs to inform about situation of hereditary eye diseases in individual breeds and to harmonize the various schemes for the control of hereditary eye disease. Very important is discussion and our breeding program recommendation with individual breeders clubs to find optimal eradication program depending on breed and hereditary diseases.

Current Situation of Controlled Breeds

Dog breeds with the condition to do eye examination before using in breeding program and under the Czech eye scheme:

 Poodle

 Tibetan terrier

 Tibetan spaniel

 Old English sheepdog

 Collie

 Sheltie

 Border collie

 Labrador retriever

 Papillon

 Cotton de tulear

 Australian cattle dog

 Dachshund

 Miniature schnauzer

 American cocker spaniel

 Alaskan malamute

 Siberian husky

 Australian shepherd

 Belgian shepherd dog (all varieties)

 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

 Briard

 Parson Russell Terrier

 Chinese crested dog

Details of all lesions and conditions found at the time of examination should be noted--hereditary diseases as well as conditions considered not inherited). Important point is identification of the dog (readable tattoo or microchip).

 One copy of the certificate of the eye examination is for owner (paper version)

 One copy is for eye examiner (paper version)

 One copy is for breeders club (paper/electronic version depends on breeders club)

 One copy is for database of panelists (electronic version). All results are published and free to read for members of majority of breeders club. Some clubs use results for information about hereditary defects situation into the breed.