By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A national effort is underway by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) to conduct free eye examinations for certified service dogs. The University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine’s Ryan Hospital is among area participants.

Some of the things veterinarians will be looking for in the working dogs eyes will be redness, squinting, cloudy corneas and retinal disease, according to Dr. William Crumley, a Penn Vet ophthalmologist. He says there are breed specific eye abnormalities to be mindful of, too.

“The German Sheppard can have a disease called Pannus, where they have this sort of chronic superficial Keratitis that we can treat very readily. Labradors are well known — they can definitely get some cataracts that can be noted sooner and some effect their ability to perform some don’t.”

Owners of service dogs have up to April 30th to register online. Penn vet will conduct exams in mid May.

Online registration form is available at ACVOeyeexam.org.  A registration number will be given and a list of participating ophthalmologists including at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital.