[frontierrots]

CERF certificates are issued on a 1 year basis. That is because by far the majority of breeds with eye issues, have those (like PRA) that can appear at any time in the dog's life. Like most bird dogs and herding dogs. They are checked yearly

Some breeds have eye issues that are slow and checking every 2-3 years is fine. Like Shiba Inu

However some breeds have eye afflictions that for the most part either are or are not there once they hit adulthood. Rottweilers for example.

The well known and well respected ACVO Dr that I use for CERF certifications has told me EVERY year that he sees me (which is pretty regularly because I have Rottweilers and Shiba Inu) that Rottweilers only really need to be checked once or twice after they become adults. That there are some VERY uncommon eye issues that may occur later but by and large all Rotts should be able to be cleared with 1 or 2 exams as an adult

THAT is why on the OFA website that even though the actual certificate is valid for just a year, they don't remove expired ones. because in some breeds like Rotts the exam itself is still valid even though the certificate is not and it is up to the fancier to know how to interpet this "expired certificate"