InfantSEE

Dr.Arun T. Subramanian, O.D., F.A.A.O., is one of only 7,000 optometrists nationwide who participates in InfantSEE™, a no-cost public health program developed to provide professional eye care for infants. Under this program Dr. Subramanian will provide a free, one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems.

InfantSEE ™ was launched in 2005 by the American Optometric Association (AOA), in partnership with The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Former President Jimmy Carter serves as honorary national chair and spokesman. His granddaughter was diagnosed and treated as a toddler for amblyopia, a leading cause of vision loss in young people which affects one in 30 children. In addition, his grandson's amblyopia was not identified until grade school and may never be fully corrected.

Visual development in children is most dramatic between 6 and 12 months of age. Early detection can prevent and help reduce the threat of serious vision impairments. In fact, one in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems by the time they are 18 years of age.However, a survey fielded by BabyCenter.com, on behalf of the AOA, reveals that nearly half of new and expectant mothers mistakenly believe that because a baby's eyes are changing and their vision is developing in their first year of life, it is best to wait until the child is older to get them screened by an eye care professional. This discrepancy suggests a lack of understanding about the importance of early intervention. If left untreated, eye and vision problems can impact learning and may lead to permanent vision impairment.

Although infants cannot respond verbally, the first year of life is an ideal time to conduct an extensive eye assessment. Not only is this a critical time for eye and vision development, but generally children at this age do not yet fear doctor visits and find the assessment painless and often enjoyable. Typically, infants sit on their parent's lap during the assessment, in which Dr. Subramanian uses lights and other hand held objects to check that their eyes are working together and that there are no significant refractive issues that will impede proper vision development. He also may use drops to dilate the baby's pupils to ensure the health of the eye.

To learn more about InfantSEE™, call Shapiro Eye Care at 1-800-422-8711 or visit www.infantSEE.org.