There are a variety of eye diseases that can affect Border Collies. Currently there are a couple that can be identified through genetic testing including CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) and PLL (Primary Lens Luxation). BCG - Glaucoma testing is a linked-marker study. See DNA testing page for more information on linked-marker tests.

Screening: CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) is an OFA screening program (formally CERF). Board Certified ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) Veterinarians perform CAER tests for certification with OFA. There are currently ten diseases of the eye that are deemed ineligible for CAER certification immediately, and the dogs with these conditions should not be bred due to the disease’s likely genetic inheritance. These include: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), cataracts, lens luxation or subluxation, glaucoma, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), Retinal Detachment, Retinal Dysplasia, Optic nerve coloboma, optic nerve hypoplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Please see the link to OFA’s website below for more information.

Inheritance: There are many eyesight conditions that are inherited. Some are known like PLL and CEA, but others are more complex and still being determined.

The BCSA recommends CAER screenings are completed on breeding dogs once a year starting at one year of age.