At Cincinnati Vision Group, we understand that bringing your baby to the eye doctor for the first time might feel a little intimidating. You might be wondering: How will my baby react? Will they even be able to participate in the exam? The good news is that infant eye exams are gentle, non-invasive, and designed to ensure your baby’s vision is developing as it should. Here’s what you can expect.

A Warm, Kid-Friendly Environment

From the moment you walk into our office, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere designed for families. Our team knows that babies don’t always follow a schedule—they might be fussy, sleepy, or curious about their new surroundings. That’s okay! We work around your child’s needs, giving them time to adjust and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible.

Checking for Early Vision Development with InfantSEE®

Unlike a typical adult eye exam, your baby doesn’t need to recognize letters or even speak. Instead, our doctors use lights, shapes, and movement to assess how well your baby’s eyes are developing.

As part of our commitment to early eye health, we proudly participate in InfantSEE®, a national public health program that provides a comprehensive, no-cost eye exam for infants between 6 and 12 months of age. This program, developed by the American Optometric Association, ensures that all babies have access to early eye care, regardless of family income or insurance coverage.

During your baby's exam, we’ll check for:

• Tracking and Focus: We’ll observe how your baby follows objects with their eyes and whether both eyes work together as a team.

• Refractive Errors: Using a special tool called a retinoscope, we can detect early signs of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

• Eye Health: We’ll gently examine the structures of the eye to check for any signs of congenital conditions, infections, or other issues that could impact vision development.

• Assessing Eye Alignment and Coordination: Misalignments, like strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye), can often be corrected more easily when caught early. We look for any signs of these conditions and discuss treatment options if needed.

By taking advantage of the InfantSEE® program, you’re giving your child an important head start in their visual development. Early detection of vision problems can lead to better treatment outcomes and support healthy growth and learning.

What Happens Next?

If your baby’s eyes are developing normally, we’ll recommend their next eye exam around age three. If we detect any concerns, we’ll work with you on the next steps, whether that means monitoring their vision or discussing early intervention options.

Why Early Eye Exams Matter

Many vision problems go unnoticed in infancy, simply because babies can’t tell us when something isn’t right. By scheduling an early exam, you’re giving your child the best possible start in their visual development, which plays a key role in learning, motor skills, and overall well-being.

Give Your Baby a Healthy Start with an Eye Exam

Your baby’s vision plays a crucial role in their early development, from recognizing faces to exploring the world around them. A comprehensive eye exam is a simple yet essential step in ensuring their eyes are developing properly. With early detection and care, we can help prevent vision issues from affecting their growth, learning, and overall well-being.

Schedule your baby’s first eye exam with Cincinnati Vision Group today. Take advantage of our InfantSEE® program and give your little one the best start in life. Visit any of our offices in Cincinnati, Liberty Township, Dayton, or West Chester, Ohio. Call (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, (513) 753-4981, (937) 435-4293, or (937) 579-0393 to book an appointment today.