As parents, you want to give your baby the best start in life - and that includes protecting their vision. Many parents don’t realize that eye and vision problems can begin in infancy, even before any noticeable symptoms appear. At Cincinnati Vision Group, we’re participate in the InfantSEE® program and help parents feel confident about their child’s visual development. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about InfantSEE® to help you understand how it works and why it’s so important.

 

What Is InfantSEE®?

InfantSEE® is a public health initiative created by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Johnson & Johnson Vision. The program ensures that all infants between 6 and 12 months old receive a comprehensive eye and vision assessment, regardless of their family’s income or access to insurance. Participating optometrists, like those at Cincinnati Vision Group, provide these exams at no cost to the family.

 

Why Does My Baby Need an Eye Exam So Early?

Even though your baby may seem to be seeing well, only a comprehensive eye exam can assess how their eyes are developing and working together. Conditions such as strabismus (eye misalignment), amblyopia (lazy eye), or refractive errors (nearsightedness or farsightedness) can begin early in life and may go unnoticed without professional testing. Early detection is key - addressing these issues during infancy can often prevent long-term vision problems later in childhood.

 

What Happens During an InfantSEE® Exam?

Your baby doesn’t need to know their letters or numbers for an InfantSEE® exam! Our optometrists use specialized techniques and equipment to evaluate your child’s vision and eye health in a gentle, non-invasive way. The exam typically includes:

•          Assessing visual acuity (how clearly your baby can see)

•          Checking eye alignment and coordination

•          Evaluating refractive error (farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism)

•          Inspecting internal and external eye structures

•          Reviewing developmental milestones related to vision

The entire process is designed to be quick and comfortable for both you and your baby.

 

How Is InfantSEE® Different from a Pediatrician’s Eye Screening?

Pediatricians perform important health screenings during wellness visits, but their vision checks are limited. They can help spot obvious issues, but they don’t include the in-depth testing that an optometrist provides. An InfantSEE® exam is a comprehensive eye assessment performed by an eye doctor trained to detect even subtle vision development concerns.

What If My Baby’s Eyes Appear Healthy?

Even if your baby’s eyes look fine, it’s still recommended to schedule an InfantSEE® exam. Many vision conditions don’t show visible symptoms, especially in infants who can’t communicate discomfort or visual difficulty. A proactive approach helps ensure that any underlying issues are identified and treated early.

 

Is There Any Cost for the InfantSEE® Exam?

The InfantSEE® exam is completely free of charge, regardless of your insurance coverage or financial situation. It’s part of the program’s mission to make early vision care accessible to every family.

 

Schedule Your Baby’s Free InfantSEE® Exam Today

Your baby’s eyesight plays a crucial role in their growth, learning, and overall development. Through the InfantSEE® program, families can take an important step in safeguarding their child’s visual future.

Take advantage of this no-cost program and ensure your baby’s vision is on the right track. Contact Cincinnati Vision Group to schedule a InfantSEE® exam and give your child the gift of healthy vision. Visit any of our offices in Cincinnati, Liberty Township, Dayton, or West Chester, Ohio. Call (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, (513) 753-4981, (937) 435-4293, or (937) 579-0393 to book an appointment today.