Jan. 2, 2025 — InfantSEE, a public health program that provides no-cost comprehensive eye and vision health assessments for infants, has reached 172,000 assessments since its launch in 2005. Managed by the American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation and supported by Johnson & Johnson, the program aims to integrate eye and vision care into early childhood wellness.
“From preserving comprehensive examinations as a part of the Essential Benefit package of the Affordable Care Act to creating guidelines for infant examinations, InfantSEE has been instrumental in elevating our communities, our country and the future of eye care,” says Jennifer Zolman, OD, chair of the AOA InfantSEE and Children’s Vision Committee.
As InfantSEE approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, the program reflects on nearly two decades of contributions to pediatric eye health. More than 4,000 optometrists currently participate as InfantSEE providers, with over 10% being recent graduates. InfantSEE assessments helped detect and prevent lifelong vision problems such as amblyopia, strabismus, and retinoblastoma in nearly 15,000 children. The program continues to receive support from parents, health care providers, and policymakers, emphasizing its role in early childhood care.
“The earliest years of a person’s life are so precious and deserve our attention—not just as parents, but as community leaders and humans, which is why InfantSEE providers are so essential. Their care and commitment demonstrate our valuable role in this country’s health care system,” says Dr. Zolman.
To expand public awareness, InfantSEE operates a State Advocate Program, pairing optometrists in all 50 states with their state affiliates. In 2024, efforts included in-person workshops at national and regional conferences, virtual events on EyeLearn, and live infant examination demonstrations.
InfantSEE is a cornerstone of the AOA’s National Pediatric Eye Health and Vision Mobilization initiative, which addresses the increased screen time and reduced access to community resources observed during the pandemic.
“Pediatric eye health and vision care has long been a critical issue championed by the AOA and doctors of optometry,” says AOA president Steven T. Reed, OD. “Harnessing InfantSEE’s over 20 years of success, the AOA will continue to build on these efforts to prevent a lifetime of vision complications and improve the quality of life for the future leaders of our country.”
On Jan. 23, InfantSEE will host a webinar titled “Nurturing Vision Health in Children” at 7 p.m. CT. The session will provide optometrists, students, and paraoptometric professionals with best practices for infant eye examinations. Registration is available through EyeLearn.