"InfantSEE™"-No Cost Vision Screening in the First Year of Life

InfantSEE™ is a public health program designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, which became available in Summer 2005, member optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment within the first year of life as a no cost public health service.

This no cost public health program was launched in June of 2005 by the American Optometric Association (AOA), in partnership with The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Under this program, supported by former President Jimmy Carter, who serves as honorary national chair and spokesman, participating optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income.

Public Health 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. In fact, one in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems. 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.

Optometrists, through their clinical education, training and experience, have the means to provide the most effective primary eye and vision services to children, as a compliment to routine well-care exams given by pediatricians, "said Scott Jens, O.D., F.A.A.O. and InfantSEE™ chairman. "The AOA and InfantSEE™ volunteer optometrist look forward to working with pediatricians to offer expanded eye care to infants nationwide." (InfantSEE Press Release June 2005)

To locate a provider near you visit...http://www.infantsee.org/