Kinsey Honeyman, DO
Do you ever wonder what the world looks like through your baby’s eyes? Is your face in focus to them? Why does that certain toy appear more interesting than all the others?
Let me introduce you to InfantSEE™, a national program that provides eye assessments to children within their first twelve months of life at no charge to you. Participating optometrists (myself included) volunteer their time to provide your child’s first eye assessment. Why would I provide this service pro bono? Because it is important, very important.
Experts 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. Additionally, 1 in 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems. Still, most children do not receive their first eye exam until they are school age (or even older!) A typical well child visit to the pediatrician is effective at detecting many eye problems. However, many eye diseases and vision disorders are not detectable by base level infant eye screenings.
Yes, your baby can complete an eye exam… and it is fun!
Although infants cannot respond verbally, the first year of life is an ideal time to conduct an extensive eye assessment. Typically, your little one sits on your lap and I use lights and other handheld objects to assess how their eyes work together and make sure there are no significant issues that will impede proper vision development.
It is never easy to hear a parent say, “I had no idea he/she couldn’t see well. My child has been struggling for years. I wish I would have known.” Undetected visual issues should not limit a child’s development. The solution is as simple as making sure they have routine eye exams. Ensure your baby will be able to SEE from the very beginning. Find an InfantSEE™ doctor in your area and make an appointment today.
Click here for a list of visual development milestones
Click here to find out more about InfantSEE and locate a participating doctor
*Kinsey Honeyman, OD is a private practice optometrist in Shawnee, KS.