AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the overwhelming number of children with eye and vision problems across the United States, Maine optometrists are devoting appointments throughout the year to no-cost, comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants between six and 12 months of age through InfantSEE®. To call attention to and emphasize the importance of this effort, U.S. Representative Mike Michaud (D-Maine) has declared the week of February 6 through February 11, 2012 InfantSEE® Week in Maine.
InfantSEE®, a year-round public health program developed by Optometry Cares® - The AOA Foundation and Vistakon, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., was designed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide at no-cost, regardless of family income or number of eligible children.
"We all want the best for our state's children," said Rep. Michaud. "This collaborative effort offers Maine parents an invaluable service, and I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of this great opportunity. Like in many areas of health care, catching or preventing vision problems early can be key to ensuring health and wellness later in life."
One in 10 infants is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems, which, if undetected, could lead to permanent vision impairment, and in rare cases, life-threatening health risks. However, only 14 percent of children from infancy to age six have had a comprehensive eye assessment from an eye care professional, according to the American Optometric Association's Pediatric Eye and Vision study.
"Many parents are surprised to learn how critical the first year of life is to a child's visual development," said Dr. Colin Robinson, a Maine optometrist and InfantSEE® provider. "It's the ideal time to detect eye and vision problems before these conditions worsen or cause developmental delays."
In Maine, great strides are being made to ensure potential eye and vision problems are detected early. Infant eye assessments have been available in the state since the program began.
The InfantSEE® program launched in 2005 with support from former President Jimmy Carter, honorary national spokesperson. To date, more than 7,700 optometrists nationwide volunteer their time to provide assessments to babies in their communities. The majority of vision problems detected include severe hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), congenital glaucoma and congenital cataract. A less common vision problem that can also be detected during an infant's comprehensive eye assessment includes retinoblastoma (eye cancer).
In an effort to ensure healthy vision and eye health in Maine infants, parents can bring their infant for a no-cost assessment at participating optometrists' offices by appointment.
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