Why InfantSEE Exams Are Critical for Developmental Milestones

Healthy vision is essential for your baby’s early development. In the first year of life, children rely on their eyesight to explore their surroundings, recognize faces, and begin important motor and cognitive skills. At Offen Eye Associates, we proudly participate in the national InfantSEE® program.

 

What Is the InfantSEE® Program?

InfantSEE® is a public health initiative from the American Optometric Association designed to provide a one-time, no-cost eye assessment for infants between 6 and 12 months old. This exam goes beyond a basic vision screening. It evaluates your baby’s overall visual health and looks for early signs of conditions that could affect long-term development.

 

Why Vision Matters for Development

From birth through the first year of life, your baby’s brain and eyes are rapidly learning to work together. Good vision supports key developmental milestones, including:

•          Tracking and Focusing Skills: Infants learn to follow objects with their eyes, shift focus, and coordinate vision between both eyes. These skills lay the foundation for reading, depth perception, and spatial awareness. InfantSEE® exams ensure these abilities are developing correctly.

•          Hand-Eye Coordination: Reaching, grasping, stacking, and playing are all guided by visual input. If a child has an undetected vision issue - such as uncorrected farsightedness or eye misalignment - these skills can take longer to develop.

•          Social and Cognitive Growth: Babies recognize faces, interpret expressions, and observe patterns - all through their vision. Clear, comfortable eyesight is essential for early learning and bonding.

 

What InfantSEE® Exams Check For

During your child’s InfantSEE® exam at Offen Eye Associates, our optometrists evaluate critical aspects of visual development, including:

•          Eye alignment and movement

•          Reactions to light

•          Refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)

•          Eye health and internal structures

•          Signs of congenital eye conditions

•          Visual responses and developmental readiness

Many issues that appear subtle can only be detected by a trained optometrist. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.

 

Give Your Child the Strongest Visual Start in Life

Our eye doctors in Westfield are committed to protecting your child’s visual development. We provide gentle, thorough care tailored to the needs of infants and young children. We focus on early detection, education, and long-term eye health for the whole family.

Schedule an InfantSEE® exam at Offen Eye Associates to ensure clear and healthy vision. Visit our office in Westfield, New Jersey, or call (908) 378-3200 to book an appointment today.