Eye Testing
Eye Testing in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its beautiful, expressive eyes. Those large, dark, round eyes are one of the defining features of the breed and they are also an important part of its health and welfare.
For this reason, eye testing should be an important part of responsible Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeding.
Eye testing is not simply about determining whether a dog can see. A specialist examination can identify congenital, inherited and other ocular abnormalities that may not be obvious to the owner.
For breeders, this information can help inform responsible breeding decisions. For puppy buyers, understanding eye testing can help you ask better questions and make a more informed decision when choosing a breeder.
What Is Eye Testing?
Eye testing is a specialist examination of a dog's eyes performed by a suitably qualified veterinary ophthalmologist.
In Australia, the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) provides a national system for examination, certification and recording of abnormal eye conditions in dogs. Australian Canine Eye Scheme examinations are performed by registered veterinary eye specialists and are designed to identify both inherited and non-inherited eye abnormalities. An Australian Canine Eye Scheme examination is considerably more comprehensive than simply looking at a dog's eyes during a routine veterinary consultation. The specialist examines the structures of the eye and records relevant findings according to the Australian Canine Eye Schemesystem.
Why Is Eye Testing Important for Cavaliers?
Eye health is an important consideration in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because the breed can be affected by a range of ocular conditions. Dogs Australia's Cavalier puppy-buying guidance specifically recommends that breeding dogs undergo eye testing by a specialist animal ophthalmologist, including screening for abnormalities and early-onset juvenile cataracts.
Historical Australian Canine Eye Scheme breed reports have recorded conditions in Cavaliers including:
multifocal retinal dysplasia
hereditary cataracts
distichiasis
corneal abnormalities
corneal dystrophy
palpebral fissure abnormalities
globe prominence and associated abnormalities.
These reports demonstrate why systematic eye screening can provide useful information for the breed. It is important to remember that the presence of these conditions in Australian Canine Eye Schemerecords does not mean that every Cavalier will develop an eye disorder. Most Cavaliers do not suffer from all, or even necessarily any, of these conditions.
What Is the Australian Canine Eye Scheme?
The Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) is the Australian national system for eye examination, certification and reporting of abnormal eye conditions in dogs. It is administered by Dogs Australia and examinations are conducted by registered veterinary eye specialists.
The scheme provides a consistent framework for recording eye findings and allows information to be submitted to the Dogs Australia health database, ORCHID. This is particularly valuable for breeding because the results can form part of the health information considered when making breeding decisions.
Who Performs an Australian Canine Eye Scheme Examination?
An Australian Canine Eye Scheme examination is performed by a registered veterinary eye specialist, rather than simply a breeder or owner and not necessarily by a general-practice veterinarian.
Dogs Australia's Australian Canine Eye Scheme information explains that examinations are conducted by registered veterinary eye specialists to standards established by the Ophthalmology Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. This specialist expertise is important because some ocular abnormalities can be subtle and require specialised equipment and knowledge to identify.
What Does an Eye Examination Involve?
The exact examination will depend on the dog and the specialist, but a specialist ophthalmic assessment involves examining the eyes and surrounding structures in detail.
The veterinarian may assess:
eyelids
eyelashes
conjunctiva
cornea
anterior chamber
iris
lens
retina
optic structures
eye position
overall ocular health.
Specialist ophthalmic examinations may use equipment such as:
an ophthalmoscope
slit lamp
specialised lenses
tonometry equipment
other ophthalmic diagnostic instruments.
The objective is to identify abnormalities that may be relevant to the dog's health, vision or breeding suitability.
ACES Is More Than a Vision Test
This is an important distinction. A dog can appear to see normally while still having an ocular abnormality. Conversely, not every abnormality detected during an eye examination will cause significant visual impairment. Therefore: “My dog can see” does not mean “my dog's eyes are completely normal.” An Australian Canine Eye Scheme examination provides a much more detailed assessment than simply observing whether a dog can navigate around the home or respond to visual cues.
What Eye Conditions Can Affect Cavaliers?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be affected by a range of eye disorders. Some are inherited or potentially hereditary, while others can occur for unrelated reasons. Among the conditions reported through Australian Canine Eye Scheme screening in Cavaliers are the following.
Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia
Retinal dysplasia is an abnormal development of the retina. Multifocal retinal dysplasia involves areas of abnormal retinal development and has been reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels through the Australian Canine Eye Scheme scheme. The significance of retinal dysplasia depends on its type and severity. Some forms may have little or no obvious effect on everyday vision, while more extensive retinal abnormalities can have greater consequences. This is one reason specialist assessment is valuable.
Hereditary Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity within the lens of the eye. Cataracts vary in their appearance, location, severity and effect on vision. Australian Canine Eye Scheme records have identified hereditary cataracts in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including early-onset cases. A cataract should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that a dog will become blind. The effect depends on factors including its location, size, progression and whether other ocular abnormalities are present.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis occurs when additional eyelashes arise from locations where they can come into contact with the eye. Depending on their position and characteristics, these hairs can irritate the ocular surface. Distichiasis has been recorded in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels through Australian Canine Eye Scheme screening. Whether treatment is required depends on the individual dog and whether the hairs are causing irritation or other problems.
Corneal Dystrophy
The cornea is the transparent outer surface at the front of the eye. Corneal dystrophy refers to certain abnormal changes within the cornea. Australian Canine Eye Scheme breed reports have recorded corneal dystrophy and corneal lipid abnormalities in Cavaliers. A specialist can determine the nature and significance of an abnormality.
Palpebral Fissure Abnormalities
The palpebral fissure is the opening between the eyelids. Australian Canine Eye Scheme reports have identified palpebral fissure abnormalities in Cavaliers, including situations involving eyelid fit and globe prominence. Abnormal eyelid anatomy can potentially contribute to ocular surface exposure or irritation. This is another example of why eye health cannot be assessed simply by looking at whether the eyes appear attractive.
Dry Eye and the Cavalier
Dry eye, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when there is inadequate or abnormal tear production or tear-film function.
It can result in:
irritation
redness
discharge
discomfort
corneal changes
ulceration in more severe cases.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can develop dry eye, and breed-specific Australian Canine Eye Scheme reports have documented cases of KCS and ocular surface abnormalities. It is important to distinguish eye testing from the DNA test for Curly Coat/Dry Eye Syndrome (CCDE). They are not the same thing.
Eye Testing vs DNA Testing
This distinction is particularly important for Cavalier owners.
Eye testing
An ophthalmologist physically examines the dog's eyes. It can identify ocular abnormalities that are present at the time of examination.
DNA testing
A genetic test looks for particular known genetic variants associated with specific inherited conditions. For Cavaliers, DNA testing is available for Curly Coat/Dry Eye Syndrome and Episodic Falling Syndrome. Dogs Australia's Cavalier health guidance recommends both eye testing and DNA testing as components of responsible health screening.
They are complementary, not interchangeable.
A clear DNA result does not replace an ophthalmic examination. Likewise, a normal eye examination does not replace appropriate DNA testing.
When Should a Cavalier Have an Australian Canine Eye Scheme Examination?
The timing of Australian Canine Eye Scheme testing depends on the particular hereditary eye conditions recognised for the breed. The Australian Canine Eye Scheme scheme distinguishes between:
Congenital hereditary conditions
These are conditions that are present at birth. For breeds with recognised congenital hereditary eye conditions, Australian Canine Eye Scheme describes a litter screen generally performed at 6–12 weeks of age.
Acquired or later-onset hereditary conditions
For breeds in which relevant conditions develop later, Australian Canine Eye Scheme states that testing ideally begins at around one year of age and continues annually, with a certificate needing to be less than 12 months old to be considered current.
The appropriate testing schedule for Cavaliers should therefore be discussed with the breeder's veterinary ophthalmologist and checked against the current Australian Canine Eye Scheme breed schedule, because recommendations and recognised conditions can change.
Why Puppies May Be Eye Tested
Some eye abnormalities are congenital, meaning they are present from birth or develop very early in life. An Australian Canine Eye Scheme litter examination can provide information about the eyes of puppies and their parents.
For breeders, this can be useful information when assessing a breeding program. It can also contribute to the broader health information available about a family of dogs. However, a puppy's normal eye examination does not guarantee that the dog will never develop an eye disorder later in life.
Why Adult Breeding Dogs Need Eye Testing
Some ocular conditions may develop or become apparent as a dog matures. For this reason, adult breeding dogs may require additional eye examinations depending on the conditions recognised for the breed.
Australian Canine Eye Scheme specifically states that where acquired hereditary eye disease occurs, testing should ideally begin at approximately one year and continue annually. This is why prospective puppy buyers should ask not simply: “Have the parents had their eyes tested?” but: “When were they tested, what was the result, and can I see the current certificates?”
How Long Is an Australian Canine Eye Scheme Certificate Current?
For breeds where annual adult testing applies, Australian Canine Eye Scheme states that a certificate needs to be less than 12 months old to be considered current. This is an important detail when reviewing a breeder's paperwork. An eye certificate from several years ago may provide useful historical information, but it should not necessarily be treated as evidence of the dog's current eye status.
Always ask the breeder about the most recent examination.
What Information Does the Certificate Provide?
The Australian Canine Eye Scheme system records the dog's examination findings and relevant identification information. For an Australian Canine Eye Scheme examination, the panellist requires the dog's registered name and number and microchip information so the dog's identity can be verified and associated with its records.
For litter examinations, information relating to the sire and dam is also required. This identification process helps ensure that the examination result belongs to the dog being presented.
Why Microchipping Matters
Accurate identification is particularly important when health testing is being used to inform breeding decisions. A health certificate is meaningful only if it can be confidently linked to the correct dog.
Australian Canine Eye Scheme therefore incorporates identification information, including microchip verification, into the examination process. This is another reason prospective puppy buyers should be comfortable asking to see original or verifiable health documentation.
What Does a “Clear” Eye Test Mean?
A normal or unaffected Australian Canine Eye Scheme result means that the specialist did not identify the relevant abnormality under the conditions of that examination.
It does not mean:
the dog will never develop an eye disease
the dog has perfect vision for life
every possible eye disorder has been ruled out
every genetic disease has been excluded.
This is an important distinction. A normal eye examination is reassuring, but it is not a lifetime guarantee.
Can Eye Testing Prevent Eye Disease?
No. Eye testing does not treat or prevent an inherited condition in an individual dog. Its value is in identifying abnormalities and providing information that can support responsible breeding and clinical decision-making.
By identifying affected dogs and recording results, breeders can make better-informed decisions about which dogs should contribute to future generations. Australian Canine Eye Scheme states that its panellists recommend against breeding from dogs affected by recognised or suspected hereditary eye conditions because of the risk of producing affected offspring.
Eye Testing and Responsible Breeding
Eye testing should form part of a broader health-screening program.
For a Cavalier breeding program, this may include:
cardiac examination
ophthalmic examination
DNA testing
appropriate neurological assessment or MRI where available
pedigree research
consideration of family health history
temperament
conformation and soundness
genetic diversity.
Dogs Australia's current guidance specifically identifies heart testing, eye testing, DNA testing and MRI screening as important health considerations for Cavalier breeding dogs. No single test can provide a complete picture of a dog's health.
Eye Testing Is Not Just for Breeders
Although Australian Canine Eye Scheme is particularly valuable for breeding programs, eye health matters to every Cavalier. Your Cavalier's eyes are important throughout their life.
Owners should pay attention to changes such as:
redness
squinting
excessive blinking
cloudiness
unusual discharge
rubbing at the eye
sensitivity to light
changes in the appearance of the eye
apparent difficulty seeing
sudden changes in behaviour.
Any sudden or painful eye problem should be assessed promptly by a veterinarian.
Eye problems can deteriorate quickly, and some conditions are painful even when the dog does not appear obviously distressed.
Routine Veterinary Eye Checks Still Matter
An Australian Canine Eye Scheme examination should not be confused with routine veterinary care. Your regular veterinarian should continue to assess your dog's general health and investigate any eye concerns that arise.
A specialist ophthalmologist may be recommended when:
an abnormality is detected
an eye injury occurs
the veterinarian is concerned about vision
a condition requires specialist diagnosis
a detailed breeding examination is required.
Think of Australian Canine Eye Scheme as specialist screening, not a replacement for normal veterinary care.
What Should Puppy Buyers Ask About Eye Testing?
If you are considering purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, ask the breeder:
1. Have both parents had specialist eye examinations?
2. Were the examinations performed under the ACES scheme?
3. Who performed the examinations?
4. When were the examinations performed?
5. Can I see the certificates?
6. What were the results?
7. Were any abnormalities identified?
8. Have previous generations had eye problems?
9. Has the litter been screened where appropriate?
10. What other breed-specific health testing has been undertaken?
A responsible breeder should be prepared to discuss health screening openly and provide appropriate documentation.
Dogs Australia's advice to prospective Cavalier owners specifically recommends buying from breeders who undertake the recommended health testing and being prepared to ask for relevant health certificates.
Don't Accept “The Parents Have Beautiful Eyes” as Health Testing
A breeder may genuinely believe that their dogs have healthy eyes because they have never noticed a problem. That is not the same as specialist screening. Likewise, photographs are not a substitute for an ophthalmic examination. A dog's eyes may look perfectly normal to the untrained observer while a specialist identifies an abnormality.
Appearance is not a health certificate.
What If a Breeder Says Their Dogs Don't Need Eye Testing?
This is a reasonable question to ask the breeder to explain. Dogs Australia's current Cavalier guidance specifically recommends eye testing by a specialist ophthalmologist for breeding dogs.
A prospective puppy buyer should therefore feel comfortable asking: Why has this testing not been undertaken? The breeder should be able to provide a clear, evidence-based explanation.
Eye Testing and the Future of the Cavalier
Responsible breeding is ultimately about making informed decisions for future generations. Eye testing contributes to this process by giving breeders objective information about the ocular health of individual dogs.
When combined with other health information, pedigree research and careful breeding decisions, screening can help breeders work towards healthier generations of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Dogs Australia's broader health policy emphasises the importance of protecting the health and physical welfare of pedigree dogs and reviewing breed standards with health and welfare in mind.
In Conclusion…
Your Cavalier's beautiful eyes are more than one of the breed's most recognisable features. They are complex organs that deserve proper care and assessment.
For breeders, specialist eye testing is an important part of responsible Cavalier health screening.
For puppy buyers, seeing evidence of appropriate eye testing can provide valuable information about the breeder's approach to health and transparency.
But remember: Eye testing is one piece of the health puzzle.
A responsible breeder should consider eyes, heart, genetics, neurological health, temperament, soundness, pedigree and overall welfare rather than relying on any single test. And a normal eye certificate should always be understood for what it is: valuable information about a dog's eye health at the time of examination, not a guarantee of a lifetime free from eye disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACES?
ACES stands for the Australian Canine Eye Scheme. It is Australia's national system for specialist eye examination, certification and recording of abnormal eye conditions in dogs.
Who performs an Australian Canine Eye Scheme eye test?
A registered veterinary eye specialist performs the examination.
Should Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have their eyes tested?
Dogs Australia recommends eye testing by a specialist animal ophthalmologist as part of health screening for Cavalier breeding dogs.
Is an Australian Canine Eye Scheme test the same as a DNA test?
No. Australian Canine Eye Scheme is a physical ophthalmic examination. DNA testing identifies particular genetic variants. They provide different types of information.
What eye conditions can Cavaliers develop?
Conditions recorded through Australian Canine Eye Scheme screening have included multifocal retinal dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, distichiasis, corneal abnormalities and palpebral fissure abnormalities.
Does a clear eye test guarantee a healthy Cavalier?
No. It indicates that the relevant abnormalities were not identified at the time of that examination. It cannot predict every future eye problem.
How often should an adult dog be eye tested?
The appropriate schedule depends on the breed and the hereditary eye conditions recognised within it. Australian Canine Eye Scheme states that where acquired hereditary eye disease occurs, testing ideally begins at around one year and continues annually.
Should I ask to see the parents' eye certificates?
Yes. Dogs Australia's Cavalier puppy guidance recommends that prospective buyers ask breeders about health testing and relevant health certificates.
Can a Cavalier have good vision but still have an eye abnormality?
Yes. Some ocular abnormalities may not produce obvious changes in everyday behaviour or vision.
Is eye testing only important for breeding dogs?
No. Every Cavalier's eyes should be monitored as part of responsible lifelong veterinary care. Specialist testing is particularly important when a dog is being considered for breeding.
Eye Health Checklist for Cavalier Owners
☐ Know when your Cavalier last had a veterinary eye examination
☐ Ask your breeder about specialist eye testing
☐ Keep copies of relevant health certificates
☐ Check your Cavalier's eyes regularly
☐ Look for changes in redness, discharge or clarity
☐ Pay attention to squinting or rubbing
☐ Seek veterinary advice about any persistent eye problem
☐ Seek prompt veterinary attention for sudden eye pain or injury
☐ If buying a puppy, ask to see the parents' health certificates
☐ Remember that eye testing is only one part of responsible Cavalier health screening
For Prospective Cavalier Puppy Buyers
Before choosing a puppy, look beyond the puppy's beautiful face.
Ask yourself:
Have the parents been appropriately health tested?
Have their eyes been examined by a specialist?
Can the breeder provide the relevant certificates?
Does the breeder openly discuss health problems within their lines?
What other Cavalier-specific health testing has been undertaken?
Does the breeder appear genuinely committed to improving the health and welfare of the breed?
These questions can tell you considerably more about a breeding program than photographs, social media posts or a puppy's price tag.
References
Australian Veterinary Association & Dogs Australia. (n.d.). Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) breed summary reports. Dogs Australia / ORCHID.
Dogs Australia. (n.d.). Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES).
Dogs Australia. (n.d.). What to look for when buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.
Dogs Australia. (n.d.). Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard.
Dogs Australia. (n.d.). Vision for the health and welfare of pedigree dogs.
Dogs Australia. (n.d.). Statement: Breed standards.
ORCHID. (n.d.). Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES). Dogs Australia Canine Health Database.
Disclaimer
The information provided in the Cavalier Knowledge Centre is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.