A CERF form is filled out by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Diplomate (ACVO) upon completion of a slit lamp examination.  Shown below, the form is confusing to say the least, but the following is a short explanation of what information is included on this form.

The area outlined in blue is the basic information pertaining to the dog which was examined. This form is for a dog by the name of Berdia's Tawney Nova, born on April 23, 1991 and the examination date was April 9, 1998.

The area outlined in red lists the different parts of the eye. Down the left side any findings for the right eye are recorded, while the right side records information on the left eye. If any of the listed disorders are found then the corresponding circle is filled in by the ophthalmologist. There are also 4 areas (Cornea and Cataract - both left and right) where the ophthalmologist can draw a picture of what he is seeing in the eye, this is done so that a comparison can be done in the future to see if the cataract, etc, has grown or if more have occurred.

The area outlined in green continues to list the parts of the eye in the same format as above. This is followed by the section that everyone wants to see filled out - the NORMAL circles. These circles are filled in if the ophthalmologist finds NO disorders that are thought to be inherited. There is a comments section where the ophthalmologist can write any specific notes that are deemed to be important. This dog was found to have normal eyes, no further comments were noted.

The form is completed at the time of the slit lamp examination and is given to the owner, who may then choose to send the form to CERF, for a certification number. Not all owners choose to do this. When a form is sent to CERF, dogs found to be unaffected by major heritable eye disease by an ACVO Diplomate will be issued a certificate which is good for 12 months from the examination date.