At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we’re proud to participate in the InfantSEE® program, a public health initiative designed to provide free, comprehensive eye exams for infants between 6 and 12 months old. This early assessment is vital in detecting vision issues before they can impact your child’s development.

The Importance of Early Eye Care

Your baby may not be able to read an eye chart, but their vision is developing rapidly in the first year of life. From tracking objects to recognizing faces, these visual milestones play a major role in cognitive and motor skill development. Ensuring that their eyesight is on the right track early can help prevent potential issues that may interfere with their ability to explore and learn about the world around them.
 

An InfantSEE® exam provides a valuable opportunity to assess your baby’s vision and eye health before any concerns become more serious. During this exam, we check for a variety of potential issues that could impact your child’s development.
 

One of the most important aspects of the exam is detecting vision problems early. Some conditions, like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment), may not be immediately obvious but can lead to long-term vision impairment if left untreated. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve visual outcomes.
 

What to Expect During an InfantSEE® Exam

If you’ve never taken a baby to the optometrist before, you might be wondering—how does an eye exam work for someone so little? Rest assured, the process is gentle, non-invasive, and even fun for your baby. We tailor our approach to keep your child comfortable while evaluating their vision and eye health.
 

During the exam, we use lights, toys, and special instruments to assess:

• How well your baby’s eyes focus and move together

• Pupil responses to light

• Any signs of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)

• Eye structure and overall health
   

There are no painful procedures or need for verbal responses, making it an easy and stress-free experience for both you and your little one.
 

Supporting Families in Palo Alto

Clear sight plays a role in everything from early learning to hand-eye coordination and even social development. Many parents assume that pediatric checkups or screenings at daycare are enough, but these don’t replace a full optometric exam. Vision issues can be subtle, and babies adapt quickly to poor sight, making it difficult for parents to notice a problem. InfantSEE® provides an opportunity to catch issues before they interfere with development.
 

Book Your Baby’s InfantSEE® Exam Today

Your child’s first eye exam is a small step that can make a big difference in their future. We’re committed to helping local families give their children the best start with free InfantSEE® exams for babies under one year old.

If your little one hasn’t had their first eye exam yet, schedule an InfantSEE® exam with Palo Alto Eyes Optometry to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision for your child. Visit our office in Palo Alto, California, or call (650) 321-2015 to book an appointment today.