Parents want to give their little ones the best start in life, and that includes making sure their eyes are healthy and developing properly. While regular pediatric checkups are essential, it’s just as important to schedule pediatric eye exams to catch any potential vision issues early on. At The Eye Doctors P.C., we proudly offer InfantSEE® eye exams in Sioux Falls—a free service to ensure your baby’s eye health is on track. 

What is the InfantSEE® program? 

InfantSEE® is a wonderful public health program that provides a one-time, no-cost eye exam for babies between six and twelve months old. Managed by Optometry Cares® – The AOA Foundation, this program ensures that all babies get the eye care they need during this crucial development phase, regardless of family income or insurance coverage. 

Why should my baby get an eye exam? 

You might be wondering, “Does my baby really need an eye exam this early?” The answer is yes! Babies’ eyes are constantly growing and changing, and some vision issues don’t show obvious signs. That’s where we come in. Our Sioux Falls eye doctors ensure early detection of problems like: 

• Strabismus (crossed eyes): If not treated, this can lead to long-term vision issues. 
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Early treatment can prevent permanent vision loss. 
• Refractive errors: Babies can have farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, which may affect their development. 
• Other developmental concerns: Vision problems can sometimes point to larger developmental issues. 

By catching these issues early, we can treat them before they become bigger problems down the road. 

What happens during an InfantSEE® eye exam? 

Don’t worry—your baby doesn’t have to be able to talk or even sit still for the exam! Our friendly optometrists at The Eye Doctors P.C. are experienced in working with little ones, and we use special equipment to check their vision. The exam is quick, gentle, and stress-free. 

Here’s what you can expect during the exam: 

• Eye movement and tracking: We’ll check how well your baby’s eyes follow and focus on moving objects. 
• Pupil response: We’ll shine a gentle light to see how your baby’s pupils react to light, making sure their eyes are responding appropriately. 
• Eye alignment: It’s important that your baby’s eyes are working together properly. We’ll check for any signs of strabismus (crossed eyes) to ensure both eyes are aligned and functioning as they should. 
• Refractive errors: Using special tools, we’ll check for signs of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, even though your baby can’t tell us what they’re seeing. 
• Eye health: Lastly, we’ll look at the overall health of your baby’s eyes, checking for any early signs of conditions that could affect their vision later. 

One of the best parts about the InfantSEE® program is that it’s entirely free! This means you can protect your baby’s future vision without worrying about the cost. At The Eye Doctors P.C., we’re proud to participate in this program as a part of our commitment to providing exceptional family eye care in Sioux Falls.  

If your baby is between six and twelve months old, now is the perfect time to schedule their first eye exam. We’ll help ensure that their vision is developing properly, and if any issues are found, we can guide you through the next steps for treatment. 

Give us a call today to book your baby’s InfantSEE® eye exam. We’re here to help your little one see the world clearly, right from the start!