Eye Health Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) funds research to better understand and treat diseases of the canine eye and visual system.
Why We Focus on
Eye Health
Diseases of the eye can cause pain and loss of vision in dogs, and because the structure and function of canine and human eyes are similar, breakthroughs in one species can help both. Research into the genetics, causes, and treatments of eye diseases is key to improving vision and quality of life for dogs.
Research Grants
Eye Health ● $15,980.40
03402-MOU: Molecular genetic basis of glaucoma in Bouvier des Flandres dogs
Breed(s): Bouvier des Flandres
Researcher(s): Martin L. Katz, PhD
Eye Health ● $207,303
03189: Efficacy and Safety of Ripasudil and Nicotinamide for Canine Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy
Breed(s): Boston Terrier, Brittany Spaniel, Dachshund, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer
Researcher(s): Sara M Thomasy, DVM, PhD
Eye Health ● $94,640
03115: Prolonging Tear Film Stability in Dogs Using a Novel Rabbit Nonpolar Lipid (rNPL593)
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Brian C. Leonard, DVM, PhD, DACVO and Sara M Thomasy, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc., Clumber Spaniel Club of America
Eye Health ● $48,094
03094-MOU: Identification of Gene Mutation Underlying Ocular Melanosis in Cairn Terriers
Breed(s): Cairn Terrier
Researcher(s): Simon Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD
Sponsor(s): Cairn Terrier Club of America, Inc., The Foundation of the Cairn Terrier Club of America
Eye Health ● $30,000
02966: Corneal Cross-linking as Treatment for Corneal Ulceration – “Using Light to Save Sight”
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Simon Pot, DVM
Sponsor(s): Boston Terrier Club of America, French Bulldog Club of America, Versatility in Poodles, Inc., Pug Dog Club of America, Inc.
Eye Health ● $42,500
02952: Genetics of X-linked Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Greyhounds
Breed(s): Greyhound
Researcher(s): Sara Thomasy, DVM, PhD
Eye Health ● $31,434
02959: Genetic Basis of non-HSF4 Hereditary Cataracts in a Family of Miniature American Shepherds
Breed(s): Miniature American Shepherd
Researcher(s): Kari Ekenstedt, DVM, PhD
Eye Health ● $29,750
02608-T: Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma and Pectinate Ligament Abnormality in the Basset Hound
Breed(s): Basset Hound
Researcher(s): Cathryn Mellersh, PhD
Eye Health ● $29,951
02963: Genetics of Glaucoma in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Breed(s): Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Researcher(s): Gillian J. McLellan, BVMS, PhD
Eye Health, Hormonal Health ● $15,000
02948-A: Effect of Glycemic Control on the Onset of Cataract Development in Diabetic Dogs
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Michal Mazaki-Tovi, DVM
Eye Health ● $8,541
02950-A: Late-onset Hereditary Cataract in the Boston Terrier: A Whole Genome Sequencing Approach
Breed(s): Boston Terrier
Researcher(s): Kathryn T. Graves, PhD
Eye Health ● $116,640
02696: Efficacy and Safety of Netarsudil for Canine Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy
Breed(s): Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Dachshund, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer
Researcher(s): Sara Thomasy, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Bouvier Owners of New England, National Redbone Coonhound Association, Versatility in Poodles, Inc., Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation
Eye Health ● $99,303
02572-MOU: Characterization of Retinal Phenotypes and their Association with RPGRIP1 and Modifiers in English Springer Spaniels
Breed(s): English Springer Spaniel
Researcher(s): Keiko Miyadera, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation
Eye Health ● $89,855
02569-MOU: Development of a Polygenic Risk Model for Pigmentary Uveitis in Golden Retrievers
Breed(s): Golden Retriever
Researcher(s): Wendy M. Townsend, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Golden Retriever Foundation
Eye Health ● $13,850.00
02608: Identification of genetic risk factors for primary closed angle glaucoma and pectinate ligament abnormality in the Basset Hound
Breed(s): Basset Hound
Researcher(s): Cathryn S Mellersh, PhD
Sponsor(s): Longview-Kelso Kennel Club, Inc., Basset Hound Club of America Foundation, Inc.
Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health
With over $2.9 million invested in eye health studies, your support helps fund vital research and brings us closer to better treatments for dogs affected by eye conditions.
