If the litter was planned, ask why the Sire was chosen for this particular Dam. Only Aussies that are free from hip dysplasia are granted OFA numbers. OFA certifications are breeders to be very wary of. An organization called CERF deals with the certification of eyes just as OFA does for the hips. Be sure to look at the exam report carefully to see that it matches with the correct Sire or Dam and that the vet has made a notation that the eyes are clear from any visible defects.
Eye exams are normally done on an annual basis, so also check to see that the exam is current.
Some breeders offer different alternatives if you happen to have a puppy who ends up with a hereditary problem. These alternatives will vary depending on the breeder and depending on whether the puppy is bought as either pet or show quality. If offered, ask to read the contract before purchasing the puppy to see if it covers all the breeders stated guarantees. If your new pup is sold with registration papers it is important to make sure the papers you receive are from the correct registry for your purposes. ASCA stands for Australian Shepherd Club of America and is the parent registry for the Australian Shepherd, founded in 1957.