The primary objectives of the ECVO are to advance veterinary ophthalmology in Europe and increase the competency of those practicing in this field by establishing the guidelines of pre-approved, high quality, post-graduate training programmes known as residencies, for the training of future specialists, promoting and supervising these programmes, examining and certifying candidates enrolled in them as well as continuously validating the knowledge of those specialists who have successfully completed them. In addition, the ECVO encourages clinical and scientific research that will help advance the body of knowledge in the field of veterinary ophthalmology and the dissemination of this knowledge.

Furthermore, the ECVO has also developed and oversees the European Hereditary Eye Disease scheme, which aims to harmonise procedures for the evaluation of animals for inherited eye diseases across different European countries.

All in all, the ECVO strives to provide expert care for animals with ophthalmic diseases throughout Europe via residency trained European Specialists in Veterinary Ophthalmology, who can offer the highest quality service to the animal owner and the general public.