Eye health resource
InfantSEE in Brooklyn: What Happens at an Infant Eye Assessment?
Park Slope Eye participates in InfantSEE, which provides a one-time no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6 to 12 months old. Learn what parents can expect.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Park Slope Eye participates in InfantSEE, a national public-health program that provides a one-time, no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants between 6 and 12 months of age. The program is available regardless of family income or access to vision insurance.
An infant does not need to recognize pictures, speak, or read an eye chart for an eye doctor to learn meaningful information about vision and eye health.
What Is InfantSEE?
InfantSEE is administered by Optometry Cares — The AOA Foundation. Participating doctors of optometry provide a comprehensive infant eye and vision assessment during the 6-to-12-month age window at no charge through the program.
The purpose is early evaluation. Some eye and vision problems can begin before a child is old enough to describe symptoms, and the signs may not be obvious to a parent during everyday life.
Is InfantSEE the Same as a Pediatrician Vision Screening?
No. Pediatric screening is valuable and remains part of routine child health care, but screening and a comprehensive eye assessment are different.
A screening is designed to identify children who may need further evaluation. An InfantSEE assessment is performed by an eye doctor and looks more directly at visual behavior, refractive error, eye alignment and movement, and the health and structure of the eyes.
How Can You Examine a Baby Who Can't Talk?
Most of an infant examination is objective. We use lights, lenses, targets, observation, pupil responses, and age-appropriate testing rather than asking the baby to read letters or tell us which lens looks better.
Depending on the child and the clinical situation, the assessment can help evaluate:
- whether each eye fixates and follows appropriately;
- how the eyes align and move together;
- whether a significant amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is present;
- whether there is a meaningful difference in prescription between the two eyes;
- pupil responses;
- the clarity and health of the front of the eyes; and
- the health and structure of the inside of the eyes.
Will My Baby's Eyes Be Dilated?
Dilating drops may be recommended during an infant assessment. Young children have very strong focusing ability, and relaxing that focusing system can help the doctor measure refractive error more accurately. Dilation can also provide a more complete internal eye-health view.
If drops are recommended, we will explain what they are for and what to expect.
What Should Parents Bring?
Bring information that may affect eye or vision development, including:
- pregnancy or birth complications;
- premature birth;
- important medical or developmental diagnoses;
- medications;
- known family history of significant childhood prescriptions, amblyopia, crossed or wandering eyes, congenital cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, or other inherited eye conditions; and
- anything you have noticed about how your baby looks at, follows, or reaches for objects.
If possible, choose an appointment time when your baby is usually awake rather than in the middle of a regular nap. A fed, rested infant is generally easier to examine.
What Signs Should I Mention Even If the Appointment Is Routine?
Tell us if you have noticed:
- an eye that is consistently crossed, turned, or drifting;
- poor tracking or visual attention;
- unusual repetitive eye movements;
- a white or unusual pupil reflex;
- a drooping eyelid that blocks part of the pupil;
- persistent tearing, marked light sensitivity, or a cloudy-looking cornea; or
- a clear difference in how the two eyes appear to be used.
Some signs have harmless explanations, but they are worth mentioning rather than waiting until a child is old enough to report a vision problem.
What If the InfantSEE Assessment Finds a Problem?
We will explain what we found and what the next step should be. Depending on the finding, that may mean observation, a follow-up eye exam, glasses, treatment of an eye condition, or referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist or another appropriate specialist.
InfantSEE does not mean that every infant will need treatment. The value is knowing whether development and eye health look appropriate at an age when the child cannot tell you what they see.
What If My Baby Is Younger Than 6 Months or Older Than 12 Months?
The InfantSEE program's no-cost assessment window is 6 to 12 months. Park Slope Eye sees children of all ages, including infants, so a child outside the InfantSEE window can still be evaluated through our regular pediatric eye-care services when appropriate.
How Is This Different from Our Infant Vision Development Article?
This page explains the InfantSEE visit and program. For a month-by-month overview of how visual behavior changes during the first year, see Understanding Your Infant's Vision Development.
For broader timing guidance, see When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
How Do I Schedule an InfantSEE Assessment in Brooklyn?
Visit our children's eye exams and InfantSEE page for the current online-booking option. When scheduling, note that you are requesting an InfantSEE assessment and include your baby's age.