About OptiGen

OPTIGEN is a service company established to provide DNA based diagnoses and information about inherited diseases of dogs. We promise the highest quality diagnostic and testing services available in the fields of veterinary medical genetics and molecular diagnostics. Our testing procedures are developed by research scientists and veterinarians associated with OPTIGEN, and are extensively field-tested in cooperation with breeders of dogs.

At OPTIGEN, our only standard is excellence.

Who we are...

OPTIGEN'S strength is based on research and experience.

Our founding members have collaborated for decades on projects in the fields of veterinary ophthalmology, molecular diagnostics, and genetics. Veterinary ophthalmologists Gregory Acland and Gustavo Aguirre have gained international recognition for their award-winning work. They have a wide range of experience with the problems and challenges faced by dog owners and breeders. Jeanette Felix, geneticist, has administered research grants for human inherited retinal disease studies and is the CEO of OptiGen. Sue Pearce-Kelling, OptiGen's President and Manager, has joined the OptiGen team following more than 15 years of laboratory research with Drs. Aguirre and Acland. As a scientist and a former golden retriever breeder, Sue appreciates the powerful advantage that DNA testing can provide to dog breeders who strive to produce only the best and healthiest dogs. 

OPTIGEN provides the highest diagnostic accuracy available, minimum turn-around time for report and interpretation, and full confidentiality. Each test is read independently by two staff scientists. Our interpretive report and website pages include information on:
- preventing genetic disease
- how to safely eliminate undesired genes from breeding stock
- how to maintain desired breeding lines if critical dogs are carriers or even affected
- trends in disease frequency derived from our confidential database

In addition, OPTIGEN offers to archive DNA samples-meaning that, most likely, breeders won't need to supply a second DNA sample for future tests as they become available.

Our genetic testing, counseling and data-base services promise the ultimate genetic advantage for your breeding program.

What we provide...

• exclusive testing for several patented technologies
• state-of-the-art technology
• duplicate test readings
• confidential reports
• genetic counseling information
• trends in disease frequency derived from our confidential database
• backup veterinary medicine information
• long-term archiving of DNA samples
• up-to-date information on the OptiGen web site

Tests Now Available ... 

The OptiGen tests can be done on very young pups and a special litter rate is available for certain tests. No longer is there a need for test matings combined with expensive and potentially inconclusive ERG testing for PRA. Because carriers and affected dogs having other desirable traits can be bred to normal/clear dogs, the increased value of the genetically tested dog is very high. It's just the beginning... We are committed to an active program of continued research and development of faster, simpler, less-expensive testing procedures for all forms of retinal disease as well as for dozens of other genetic diseases that affect dogs.