I have a question.  Where we live it is simply miles to get any BVA eye testing.  This is not really for me, but my mum who has a solid black Cocker spaniel and she wants to get her eye tested.  I contacted the Animal Health at Newmarket as they are local to me and there reply was:
We do give certificates for freedom from inherited eye disease either under the ECVO (European College) system or AHT certificates.  They are exactly the same as the BVA; approximately the same price and the results are published in the Kennel Club Gazette, just as the BVA ones are.

I did not realise their were two different types of testing.  Can anyone tell me if this is okay to have done instead of BVA?

One other point does anyone know of a BVA eye testing vet in Norfolk ?

Rachel

Rachel,

The Vet who does the eye testing near us also goes around the the South Coast Area and holds clinics, I think they are listed in one of the Dog papers.Maybe a vet more local to you has a similar thing.

Have a look at this link http://www.bva.co.uk/public/chs/eye_scheme.asp there's a PDF link on it for all the panelists in the UK

There are also eye testing sessions held by breed club's & societies all over the country. It's cheaper to have it done at a session that done on an individual basis It might be worth contacting the one of the Cocker Spaniel clubs to see when they are holding sessions

Your mum should also considser having the DNA test done as well http://www.optigen.com/opt9_test_prcd_pra.html

www.isds.org.uk/services/eyetests/panellist.htm

I found the above link which was quite helpful. Not sure if that was okay to post that.
It seems that she has to travel. Stamford being closest. The thing is what I have decided is that. Its not that easy is it trying to do the right thing. IF only all vets did this, and more to help with health testing animals before breeding.

Yes its perfectly OK to have an ECVO certificate, as has been explained they`re both carried out by vet opthalmologists :)

The vet specialists who have ECVO after their name are authorised to issue those certificates :)

Thanks Christine. 
Rachel

You`re welcome Rachel, good luck finding either one close enough to you :)

Where does your mother live? If we know we can put you in touch with a BVA testing session. I have a session planned for Feb 7th but as I am in Buckinghamshire my session may be too far for your mother to travel to. Let us know and we can put your mother in touch with her nearest BVA pannelist.