your baby’s vision
by Jane Beeman, COA, FCLSA
October 2007
Did you know that one in every ten children is at risk
from undiagnosed eye and vision problems by age 18?
However, a study sponsored by the American Optometric
Association (AOA) reveals nearly half of new and
expectant mothers mistakenly believe it is best to wait
until the child is older to have their vision checked because
vision changes rapidly as a baby. This discrepancy
suggests a serious lack of understanding about the
importance of early intervention. If left untreated, eye
and vision problems can impact a child’s capacity to
learn and may lead to permanent vision impairment.
The survey also showed that the large majority of mothers
feel confident that pediatricians have the time and
resources to identify potential eye problems. Actually, a
typical well-child pediatrician visit lasts an average of
22 minutes. This often leaves little or no time to detect
readily identifiable eye problems. Additionally, significant
risk factors to eye and vision disorders are not
detected by infant screening programs. Even retinoblastoma
(the seventh most common pediatric cancer) is
detected by family and friends 80% of the time.
Experts from the American Public Health Association
and the AOA agree visual development is most dramatic
between 6 and 12 months and that early detection
can prevent and reduce the threat of serious vision
impairments. To address this issue the AOA supports
a national program called InfantSEE™ to provide early
eye assessment for all children prior to their first birthday.
Local optometrist Dr. Stephanie Su of Visionary
Eye Associates in Brighton and Webster is one of 7600
optometrists nationwide who volunteer in this infant
vision screening program. Participating optometrists
provide a free one-time, comprehensive eye exam for
infants that offers early detection of potential eye and vision
problems. Dr. Su says, “Parents regularly take their
children to the dentist to help prevent cavities. Likewise,
they should take their babies to the optometrist to help
prevent potential vision problems. I strongly encourage
all parents to visit our office or another participating
Optometrist for an InfantSEE™ assessment before their
child’s first birthday.”
Although infants cannot respond verbally, their first year
is an ideal time to conduct an extensive optometric exam.
It is a critical time for eye and vision development and
children at this age generally don’t fear doctor visits.
Typically the infant sits on the parent’s lap during the assessment,
while the optometrist uses lights and handheld
objects and possibly eye drops to check that their eyes
are working together and that there are no significant
vision issues that will impede proper development.
“This is an exciting and rewarding program, and one I
am very proud to be involved in,” says Dr. Su.
To learn more about the InfantSEE™ program, call
Visionary Eye Associates at (585) 271-2990.
ROCHESTER RESOURCE
Visionary Eye Associates (585) 271-2990
169 Rue de Ville
www.visionaryeye.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jane Beeman is the clinical and practice
manager for Visionary Eye Associates (formerly DePaolis
and Ryan). She has over 30 years of experience in the eyecare
industry and is a nationally known author and speaker.
|
