As an optometrist, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how clear vision opens doors to learning, discovery, and confidence. But I’ve also seen the heartbreak that comes when vision problems go undetected until it’s too late. That’s why I want to bring greater awareness to an often-overlooked issue: the eye health of our infants.

The first year of life is the most critical stage for vision development. During this time, a baby’s eyes and brain work together to learn how to interpret the world. If vision problems are missed, the effects can last a lifetime–sometimes leading to permanent impairment, developmental delays, or even life-threatening conditions.

Consider these sobering facts: one in six children faces the risk of undiagnosed vision problems.

One in thirty will develop amblyopia, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. And while rare, one in 25,000 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a serious pediatric eye cancer.

The good news is that these conditions are often preventable or treatable when caught early.

That’s why programs like InfantSEE® are so important. InfantSEE®, a national public health initiative managed by Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation, provides no-cost eye and vision assessments for babies between six and twelve months of age, regardless of a family’s income or insurance coverage. Nearly 9,000 optometrists nationwide volunteer their time to ensure no child falls through the cracks, and here in West Virginia, members of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians proudly participate in this effort.

This September 21-27, we are highlighting “InfantSEE Week” in West Virginia as part of our ongoing mission to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of early vision care.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that every parent knows these free, comprehensive exams are available–and that scheduling one could change their child’s future.

Undetected vision problems don’t just affect eyesight; they impact how a child learns, behaves, and experiences the world. They can affect classroom performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. We cannot afford to let financial barriers or lack of awareness stand in the way of something as fundamental as a child’s ability to see clearly.

As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we all want the best for our children. Taking advantage of InfantSEE® is one small step that can have a lifelong impact. For more information, or to find a participating optometrist near you, visit www.infantsee.org.

Clear vision is a gift–and it’s one we can help protect from the very beginning.

(Dr. Ben Mize, OD, is president of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians)