Experts from American Optometric Association and American Public Health Association (APHA) agree that visual development is most dramatic between 6 and 12 months of age and that early detection can prevent and help reduce the threat of serious vision impairments. In fact, one in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems by the time they are 18 years of age. However, a survey fielded by BabyCenter.com, on behalf of the AOA, reveals that nearly half of new and expectant mothers mistakenly believe that because a baby’s eyes are changing and their vision is developing in their first year of life, it is best to wait until the child is older to get them screened by an eye care professional. This discrepancy suggests a lack of understanding about the importance of early intervention. If left untreated, eye and vision problems can impact learning and may lead to permanent vision impairment.
InfantSEE is a one-time no-cost public health program that provides eye care for infants 6 months to 12 months of age. In effort to encourage infant eye and vision assessments and ensure they are accessible to everyone, the American Optometric Association and The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc, have partnered to create InfantSEE.
