04/24/2026
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The GRCA Health and Genetics Committee (H&G) evaluated GRCA member concerns regarding the prevalence of cataracts reported in data from the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) and the potential impact of selection against apparently non-progressive cataracts on genetic diversity of Golden Retrievers. Among the concerns were the increase with time in the percentage of Golden Retrievers with cataracts that were not certifiable. The most recent American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Blue book indicates that what ACVO classifies as significant cataracts in Golden Retrievers increased from 10.6% from 1993-2018 to 14.7% from 2019-2023
https://ofa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ACVO-Blue-Book-2023.pdf. H&G
recognizes that more older Goldens had eye exams in recent years and that may have contributed to the increase. The H&G is also grateful to ACVO and the CAER program for progress in helping control generalized/complete cataracts and pigmentary uveitis in Goldens. However, H&G is concerned that most cataracts in Golden Retrievers do not progress and that conclusions regarding their relationship to generalized/complete cataracts are based upon studies that would not meet most contemporary research standards. In addition, the H&G has concerns that the default assumption that it is prudent to remove dogs with any form of cataract from the breeding pool irrespective of their functional importance may need re-evaluation. Since only ~0.2% of the cataracts are classified as generalized/complete, this current assumption results in the loss of
~14.5% of potential breeding dogs from the breeding pool and has not decreased the prevalence of these generally non-progressive cataracts. With todayβs understanding of the importance of genetic diversity and with no evidence that the percentage of Goldens with these types of cataracts has improved through selection against them, the H&G is concerned about the impact of excluding such a large percentage of Golden Retrievers from the breeding pool and feels additional research is needed. In addition, the GRCA H&G and other breed health committees were established decades ago and comprised primarily of veterinarians and long-time breeders. These breed health committees spend countless hours discussing health and genetics concerns as well as research needs in specific breeds and are a potential resource not used by ACVO. While recognizing the importance of veterinary specialists like ACVO diplomates, conversations between breed health committees and ACVO are strongly recommended when decisions are made that have major impact on a breed. H&G is currently working with the AKC Canine Health Foundation to facilitate research on which types of cataracts progress and affect Golden Retriever vision, and which types of cataracts do not.
