InfantSEE® no-cost baby eye exams at Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre in Vancouver & Camas, WA

Your baby’s eyes are developing rapidly in their first year of life. Clear, comfortable vision plays a major role in learning, movement, and overall development. At Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre in Vancouver & Camas, WA, we proudly participate in the InfantSEE® program – a public health initiative providing no-cost, comprehensive eye exams for babies aged 6–12 months, regardless of family income, health coverage, or immigration status.

This early visit is more than just checking eyesight – it’s about ensuring your child’s eyes are healthy, aligned, and working together to give them the best possible start.

Why early eye care for babies is important

Many parents assume that if their baby’s eyes look normal, their vision is fine. Unfortunately, some serious conditions develop silently, without visible symptoms, and can go undetected until it’s too late to correct.

An InfantSEE assessment can detect:

• Significant refractive errors – farsightedness, shortsightedness, or astigmatism
• Eye alignment issues – such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Eye movement problems – difficulty tracking or focusing
• Congenital eye conditions – such as cataracts or glaucoma
• Ocular health concerns – including early signs of disease or infection

Catching these problems early can make treatment easier and more effective, often preventing long-term vision loss.

What happens during an InfantSEE baby eye exam

Your baby’s visit will be tailored to their comfort and needs. Our eye doctors use a series of gentle, non-invasive tests, with no need for your baby to know letters or read charts.

During the exam, we:

1. Review your baby’s medical and family history to identify any risk factors
2. Assess eye alignment and coordination to ensure both eyes work together
3. Measure refractive error to check for prescription needs
4. Inspect eye structures using special lights and magnification
5. Evaluate visual response to age-appropriate stimuli
6. Discuss our findings and, if needed, recommend follow-up care or monitoring

We use toys, lights, and engaging sounds to hold your baby’s attention, making the process calm and even fun.

How to prepare for your baby’s first eye exam in Vancouver & Camas

• Choose a time of day when your baby is typically alert and well-rested
• Bring along their favorite toy or comfort item
• Feel free to feed or soothe your baby during the appointment if needed
• Write down any concerns you’ve noticed about their eyes or visual behavior

The InfantSEE difference at Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre

Our eye care team is skilled in paediatric optometry and committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment for families. We take the time to explain every step, answer your questions, and ensure you leave with a clear understanding of your baby’s vision health.

By participating in the InfantSEE program, we remove financial barriers to early vision care – so every child in Vancouver, Camas and surrounding areas can access this important exam.

FAQs about InfantSEE baby eye exams

Is the InfantSEE exam really free? Yes. The program covers the cost in full, regardless of your insurance or health coverage status.

Does my baby need to be able to sit or walk for the exam? No. We adapt the testing to your baby’s developmental stage. We can perform the assessment while you hold them.

What if my baby cries during the exam? That’s completely fine – we work at your baby’s pace, take breaks if needed, and use calming techniques to help them feel secure.

Will my baby’s eyes be dilated? In some cases, dilation is recommended to get a complete view of the eye health. If needed, we use safe, baby-friendly drops and explain the process beforehand.

Start a lifetime of healthy vision at Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre

Good vision is the foundation for your child’s learning and development. By booking their InfantSEE baby eye exam at Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre in Vancouver & Camas, WA, you’re taking an important first step towards protecting their eyesight for years to come.