Infant Vision || Vision is a primary guide to the process of child development. When a child is not moving through the developmental stages as expected, an underlying vision problem may be the culprit.

Infant Vision at Hope Clinic

What is Infant Vision?

InfantVision is a primary guide to the process of child development. When a child is not moving through the developmental stages as expected, an underlying vision problem may be the culprit. The staff at Hope Clinic understands the importance of vision in relation to the vital developmental stages. We are proud to offer Infant Vision services, and are comfortable working with infants.

One option to access Hope Clinic Infant Vision services is through the InfantSEE™ program. The InfantSEE™ program provides a one-time, no cost eye and vision assessment for babies 6 to 12 months old. Hope Clinic participates in this free community service, cosponsored by the American Optometric Association and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceuticals. Your infant will receive a professional and comprehensive eye assessment, with no regard to the parent’s income level, to detect any potential eye and/or vision problems.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

A Pediatric vision screening only assesses if a child can see at far distance clearly. The InfantSEE™ screening of vision, by a Developmental Optometric Physician, evaluates:

  • Gross motor movements of how your baby’s body moves in space with vision
  • Focusing of both near and far distance vision
  • Alignment of how both eyes team together to see one single object clearly
  • Tracking of how your baby’s eyes move from one object to another object
  • Vision problems of:
    • Depth perception
    • Amblyopia (lazy eye)
    • Check to see if one eye is turned
    • Ocular health problems

Some children are prone to risk factors in their vision development due to inherited traits, the environment or nutritional factors.

For the InfantSEE™ screening, please download and complete InfantSEE form and bring to your appointment. To schedule an InfantSEE™ screening, please call the Clinic at 425-462-7800.

Some indicators that a child may be at risk for vision problems

  • Pregnancy Complications (systemic infections, preeclampsia, anesthetics at birth, medications, toxemia, obstertrical trauma, hypoxia, etc.)
  • Prenatal Care and Lifestyle Issues (drinking, smoking, drugs during pregnancy)
  • Family History of visual problems and/or learning disabilities
  • Malnutrition
  • Low Birth Weight or Premature Birth
  • Failure to Thrive
  • Postnatal factors (infections, metabolic disorders, chronic disease, environmental hazards, and hazardous medical events ie. head injury, abuse, seizures, etc.)
  • Lack of rich sensory-motor experiences due to our cultural increase of time spent in movement-restricted activities such as: car seats, playpens, activity saucers/walkers/bouncers, strollers, tight clothing and TV/computer viewing

Published by the American Optometric Association

Origin background

In 2005, former President Jimmy Carter (working with the American Optometric Association) initiated a public awareness campaign for infant eye care because of eye problems within his own family. His grandson was diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye) in grade school. To date, it is unknown whether it will ever be fully corrected. Upon research, President Carter discovered that it could have been fully corrected if it had been caught as an infant. Not taking any chances, he commenced having an infant eye exam for his granddaughter. She was also diagnosed with amblyopia. She was more fortunate than President Carter’s grandson because they were able to treat her while still a toddler.

Contact Hope Clinic to begin the process of learning how Vision Therapy can help you or your child! Hope Clinic offers two online options: Schedule a Free Screening or Schedule a Full Functional Vision Evaluation, or call us at (425) 462-7800.