Only 18 Percent of American Infants Have Eye Exams

One in 10 infants in the U.S. has an undetected vision problem which can lead to developmental delays, permanent vision problems and in rare cases, life-threatening health risks. Although most parents are aware that vision disorders can be detected in infants, few take action. Only 18 percent of parents who participated in the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2011 American Eye-Q survey report taking their infant to an eye doctor for a comprehensive assessment before the child's first birthday. An infant's visual development is critical between six and 12 months of age. Read more.