The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists appreciates your interest in the ACVO/Merial Service Dog Eye Exam Program.  The complimentary eye exam is provided to Service Dogs that have been formally trained (and have the corresponding paperwork) or have been certified by a nationally recognized Service Dog program.  The purpose for the criteria is twofold:

1. We are developing a database that can be used in the future to identify potential eye problems associated with the jobs that certain groups of Service Dogs perform.  To make the data useful we have to carefully set the criteria for participants. 

2.  Over the past several years we have had some individuals claim their dog was a Service Dog just to take advantage of the eye exam.  ACVO Diplomates generously donate their time and resources to provide eye exams for Service Dogs.  These resources are limited and if nonqualified dogs fill the limited time slots allotted then a qualified dog may be excluded. 

The ACVO apologizes for any inconvenience our criteria for inclusion in the Service Dog Eye Exam Program may impose and we thank you for your interest.