We offer BVA eye test clinics by our BVA certified panellist Dr. Christiane Kafarnik on select Fridays each month. The ECVO eye test and certificate will be issued by all board certified ophthalmologist of our team and can be booked in the routine clinic.

If your pet has a travel history, or has been imported from outside of the UK, please ensure to read the attached document regarding travelled and imported pets. Your pet may require screening prior to their appointment here. For more information, please visit https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/specialist-referrals/brucella-canis-owner

To register your interest, please email QMHBVAenquiry QMHBVAenquiry@rvc.ac.uk with your full name, mobile number, pet(s) name(s), breed(s) and age(s). Please note we may not be able to offer an immediate appointment, but we will endeavour to accommodate as much as possible. Please include in your email which test is required for your dog in advance:

• gonioscopy (“glaucoma” test with a contact lens) only
• routine BVA eye test only
• gonioscopy and routine BVA eye test

Please arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to allow us to apply eye drops prior to the test and give you time to fill out and complete all relevant paperwork.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot make this appointment as we can then offer the slot to another client.

In order for us to complete the BVA/KC/ISDS or ECVO certificate you must bring:

• Your dog(s) original kennel club registration documents
• Microchip documents

All animals, including puppies, need to be microchipped prior their appointment. This is a requirement of the BVA eye and ECVO scheme otherwise the eye test cannot be performed. (Please note: microchipping cannot be provided in our hospital.)

If your dog is 12 months or older and one of the breeds listed below, gonioscopy is necessary in order to issue a full certificate. The gonioscopy must be done once every three years.

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Basset Hound*
• Border Collie
• Cocker Spaniel
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier*
• English Springer Spaniel
• Flat Coated Retriever*
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Hungarian Vizsla
• Japanese Shiba Inu*
• Leonberger
• Siberian Husky
• Spanish Water Dog*
• Welsh Springer Spaniel
• Welsh Terrier

*These breed only require gonioscopy.

What is Gonioscopy?

Gonioscopy is an examination of the drainage angle within the eye, using a specially designed contact lens. Occlusion or partial occlusion of the drainage angle can lead to increase of pressure within the eye (= Glaucoma). Your dog cannot feel the contact lens because we apply a drop of a local anaesthetic on the eye and some eye gel/watery eye drops before the test. This eye drop is called Proxymetacaine hydrochloride 0.5%.

What is a routine BVA eye examination?

Prior to the examination an eye drop will be given to keep the pupil stay wide during the examination. This eye drop is called Tropicamide 1%/Mydriacil® 1% and will act within approximately 15-30 min. and will last 6-12 hours. This allows us to examine structures inside the eye (for example lens and retina).

Cost of examinations

From 1st May 2023 we will require a £20 deposit prior to confirming your appointment slot. This deposit will be non-refundable and taken over the phone at the time of booking.  

If your dog is not compliant with a conscious eye examination and shows signs of aggression, we are unable to provide sedation. If the BVA eye examination cannot be completed due to behavioural issues, a fee of £25 will be applied.

Payment is required at the time of testing. We accept cash and all major credit cards with the exception of American Express.

We recommend that all animals be appropriately vaccinated before coming to the RVC. For health and safety of all our patients it is the RVC policy that all clients keep their dogs on leads or in crates at all times.

In the unlikely event of a reaction to the eye drops listed you can contact us within 24 hours after the eye test has been performed. Outside of this time please seek advice from your primary care vet. If your dog has shown any irritation/allergic reaction to the eye drops listed (Proxymetacaine/Tropicamide) in the past, please let us know in advance so that we can use an alternative.