When it comes to your child’s health, vision care often gets overlooked in the first year of life. Parents focus on pediatric checkups, vaccinations, nutrition, and sleep routines, but what about their baby’s eyes? The American Optometric Association (AOA) created the InfantSEE program to change that. This nationwide public health initiative ensures that every infant in the United States can receive a comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age at no cost to the family.
Let’s explore why the InfantSEE program exists, how it works, and why early eye exams are so crucial for lifelong vision and development. We’ll also highlight Dr. William To, one of the leading InfantSEE providers in both the Bay Area of California and Juneau, Alaska, and how families trust him with their baby’s first eye exam.
Why the InfantSEE Program Exists
The AOA InfantSEE program was launched in 2005 with a clear mission: to make sure no baby slips through the cracks when it comes to eye health. While most parents know their child will see a pediatrician in the first year, fewer realize that many vision problems can go undetected without an eye exam from an optometrist.
Here’s why this matters:
- About 1 in 10 infants is at risk for serious eye and vision problems.
- Babies can’t tell us if something is wrong with their vision.
- Pediatric screenings often miss subtle issues that only a trained eye doctor can detect.
- Early detection is critical because many eye conditions, if caught in infancy, can be corrected before they cause long-term vision loss or developmental delays.
The AOA recognized that cost could be a barrier for many families. That’s why InfantSEE exams are provided at no charge. Parents don’t need insurance, and there is no copay or bill afterward. The goal is to remove all obstacles to care and make sure every baby gets this essential health service.
What Happens During an InfantSEE Exam
Parents often wonder, “How do you give an eye exam to a baby who can’t talk?” Optometrists trained in the InfantSEE program use specialized techniques and child-friendly tools to evaluate a baby’s eyes.
An InfantSEE exam typically includes:
- Case History – The optometrist will ask questions about family history, pregnancy, delivery, and developmental milestones to better understand any risk factors for eye conditions.
- Visual Acuity Assessment – Instead of reading letters on a chart, babies’ acuity is tested with lights, toys, or preferential looking techniques to see how well they can fixate and follow objects.
- Ocular Motility – The doctor checks how the eyes move together, ensuring there are no issues with alignment, strabismus (eye turn), or muscle function.
- Pupil Reactions and Eye Health – Light reflexes and dilation may be used to examine the retina, optic nerve, and overall eye health.
- Refractive Status – Using retinoscopy, the optometrist can determine whether the baby is farsighted, nearsighted, or has astigmatism, even without verbal responses.
- Binocular Vision and Depth Perception – These are assessed to make sure the eyes are working together properly.
The exam is gentle, non-invasive, and usually feels like playtime to the baby. Most infants handle the process very well, and parents leave with peace of mind knowing their child’s eyes are developing normally. If there is a problem, they know about it early enough to act.
Why Eye Exams for Babies Are So Important
Many parents assume vision problems won’t show up until school age, but the truth is that early childhood is the most critical time for vision development. The brain and eyes are learning to work together, and if there is a disruption in this process, it can permanently affect a child’s vision.
Conditions That Can Be Detected in Infants
- Strabismus (Eye Turn) – Misalignment of the eyes can lead to amblyopia or “lazy eye” if untreated.
- Amblyopia – Reduced vision in one eye that the brain suppresses. This is treatable if caught early.
- Significant Refractive Errors – Strong farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism can cause developmental delays.
- Congenital Cataracts – Cloudiness in the lens can block vision from birth.
- Retinoblastoma – A rare but serious eye cancer that is life-threatening if undiagnosed.
- Ocular Development Disorders – Abnormalities in the cornea, retina, or optic nerve.
Early detection means early treatment. In many cases, interventions like glasses, patching, or minor procedures can correct problems completely if started in infancy. Waiting until preschool or later may mean the condition is permanent.
The Difference Between Pediatric Screenings and Optometric Exams
Many parents assume that the pediatrician’s vision screening is enough. While pediatricians play a vital role in child health, their screenings are limited compared to a comprehensive optometric exam.
Pediatric screenings can catch obvious issues like a crossed eye but often miss subtle refractive errors, depth perception problems, or retinal conditions. Optometrists have specialized tools to look inside the eye and evaluate structures like the retina, lens, and optic nerve. An InfantSEE exam is designed specifically for infants, with methods tailored for non-verbal patients.
That’s why the AOA recommends eye exams at 6 to 12 months, age 3, before starting school, and every year thereafter.
How the InfantSEE Program Works
The program is simple. Parents can find a participating InfantSEE provider in their area through the AOA website. They schedule an appointment for their baby between 6 and 12 months old. The exam is provided free of charge, regardless of insurance or income. If a condition is detected, the optometrist will discuss treatment options and recommend follow-up care.
This initiative ensures equal access to care and supports healthier futures for all children.
Dr. William To, a Leading InfantSEE Provider
While many optometrists participate in the InfantSEE program, Dr. William To stands out as one of the top InfantSEE providers in the Bay Area, California and Juneau, Alaska.
At Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice, Dr. To and his team believe that vision care should start in infancy. They have invested in advanced diagnostic technology, training, and family-friendly care to make the process smooth and reassuring for both babies and parents.
Parents across San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau trust Dr. To not only for their own eye exams but also for their children’s first vision screenings. His compassionate approach and commitment to the InfantSEE program make him a leading choice for families who want the very best for their child’s vision.
Why Families Choose Optical Illusions for InfantSEE Exams
- Expertise – Dr. William To is highly experienced in pediatric optometry and infant eye exams.
- Advanced Technology – State-of-the-art equipment helps ensure accurate diagnosis in non-verbal infants.
- Convenience – Multiple locations across the Bay Area and Alaska make access easier.
- Family Care – Optical Illusions provides care for the entire family, from infants to seniors.
- Trusted Provider – Recognized as one of the most respected practices for both general and specialty eye care.
Eye Health Beyond Infancy
The InfantSEE exam is just the first step. As your child grows, continued eye care is essential.
- Toddlers (Ages 2–3). Exams ensure that vision supports early learning and motor development.
- Preschool (Ages 3–5). Detects issues that could affect reading readiness.
- School-Aged Children. Annual exams are critical since 80% of classroom learning is visual.
Children with uncorrected vision problems may struggle academically, socially, and athletically. Studies show that children with undiagnosed vision problems are often misdiagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities.
The Lifelong Benefits of Early Eye Care
Starting vision care early through InfantSEE sets the stage for lifelong eye health. Benefits include preventing irreversible vision loss, supporting proper neurological and developmental growth, ensuring school readiness and academic success, detecting systemic health issues early, and establishing a foundation of trust between families and their eye doctor.
Parents who take advantage of InfantSEE give their children the gift of clear, healthy vision from the very beginning.
Schedule Your InfantSEE Exam Today
If you have a baby between 6 and 12 months old, don’t wait. Schedule their free InfantSEE exam today. It only takes one appointment to know whether your child’s vision is developing properly.
At Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice, we are committed tocommitted to ensuring every infant and child has access to the best possible start in life when it comes to their eyes. Our experienced optometrists use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat eye conditions through comprehensive medical eye exams. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse—schedule your eye exam today and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your vision and health. Contact our team to schedule your appointment at 1 of our 4 conveniently located offices in in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau.
