ST. LOUIS—Concluding another groundbreaking year, InfantSEE, a program that provides no-cost, comprehensive eye and vision health assessments for infants, celebrated 165,000 assessments since the initiative’s inception in 2005. Managed by Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation and backed from the beginning by long-time AOA visionary supporter Johnson & Johnson Vision, InfantSEE is a public health program that is designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child’s quality of life.

“The InfantSEE program began as a vision and dream scribbled out on a napkin amongst several passionate optometrists who were looking for an opportunity to provide the best possible outreach to our tiniest patients,” said Dr. Jennifer Zolman, FCOVD, chair of the AOA InfantSEE and Children’s Vision Committee.

InfantSEE assessments have helped prevent a lifetime of vision complications, ranging from amblyopia and strabismus to sight-threatening retinoblastomas. Since the program’s inception, over 14,300 children have started their journey to improved quality of life after receiving a diagnosis from a participating InfantSEE optometrist.

In 2022, InfantSEE hosted a series of events, including four virtual parties, three pop-ups at Optometry’s Meeting in Chicago and four pop-ups during the Western Regional Conference in Berkeley. These events are crucial to demonstrating the value of the InfantSEE exam and provide a pathway for the next generation of optometric leaders to get involved.

“Johnson & Johnson Vision’s support has allowed us to educate, engage and create excitement for over 350 optometry students who attended events in 2022,” said Dr. Zolman. “These events resulted in pledges from many young minds to become InfantSEE providers in the future.”

Participating InfantSEE optometrists provide eye and vision assessments regardless of income or insurance coverage. The AOA thanks all participating doctors for their dedication to their program and the life-changing care they provide every day. To learn more about becoming an InfantSEE provider click here.