Did you know your baby’s first eye exam should happen before their first birthday?

It might surprise many parents to learn that the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a comprehensive eye exam for infants between 6 and 12 months of age even if no obvious vision problems are present. At Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, we proudly offer no-cost infant eye exams through a national public health program called InfantSEE®. It’s one of the most important services we offer and one that too few families know about.
 

What Is InfantSEE?  

InfantSEE®, a public health program managed by The AOA Foundation, Optometry Cares, is 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, participating optometrists, like our own Dr. Marija Novakovich, pediatric optometry specialist at Clarendon Vision, provide a no-cost, comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6 to 12 months old, regardless of a family’s income or insurance coverage.
 

Why Are Infant Eye Exams So Important?  

The first year of life is a critical time for visual development. Babies learn to use their eyes just like they learn to walk or talk and undetected problems can interfere with their ability to reach developmental milestones.

A comprehensive infant eye exam can detect:

• Refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness)

• Eye movement or alignment issues (such as strabismus or amblyopia)

• Signs of more serious eye health concerns

Many of these issues can be treated more effectively when caught early, giving your child the best possible start to a lifetime of healthy vision.
 

Why Don’t Parents Realize It’s Needed?  

It’s common for parents to assume that a child’s first eye exam isn’t necessary until school age or to believe that basic vision screenings from a pediatrician are enough. While pediatricians play a vital role in monitoring your child’s overall health, they typically don’t perform the detailed assessments needed to identify many early vision issues.

In fact, most eye or vision conditions in infants won’t show obvious symptoms, and babies can’t tell us if something isn’t right. That’s why proactive exams are so important.
 

Why We Participate in InfantSEE at Clarendon Vision  

At Clarendon Vision, our mission is to care for every patient at every stage of life, from infancy through adulthood. We believe every child deserves access to high-quality eye care, regardless of their family’s financial situation or insurance coverage.

Dr. Marija Novakovich, our pediatric optometry specialist, is passionate about helping children see clearly, comfortably, and confidently as they grow. Offering InfantSEE exams is just one of the ways we invest in the well-being of families in our community.
 

Schedule Your Baby’s Free Eye Exam Today  

If your baby is between 6 and 12 months old, now is the perfect time to schedule their first eye exam, at no cost to you.