Infant Optometrist

When they’re born, babies can’t crawl, walk, talk, or chew. And they certainly can’t run, jump, sing, square dance, or solve quadratic equations. One thing they can do, however, is see — albeit not very well.

Like all things “newborn,” babies’ eyes develop at light speed. And since their eyes serve as the vessel through which they learn — their ability to speak, sit, stand, and socialize all hinges on their ability to see the world around them — healthy vision is critically important to healthy development. And so, therefore, is an Infant Optometrist.

As an Infant Optometrist, you diagnose and treat vision problems in babies. A type of Pediatric Optometrist who’s referred by Pediatricians, you recognize that catching and correcting vision problems early can improve babies’ motor, cognitive, and social development. More than the average Optometrist, therefore, the Infant Optometrist is like an Auto Mechanic who works on infants’ eyes: You “tune” them up so their brains — the engines — can run smoothly and successfully.

Like all Optometrists, your primary duty is giving eye exams. Because infants can’t read eye charts, however, your exams are unique: Typically, you start by using toys and lights to determine babies’ ability to focus, recognize colors, and perceive depth or dimension. Then you give babies special eye drops that help their pupils dilate, making their eyes easier to examine with ocular tools. Although babies can’t wear contact lenses, treatments might include glasses, patching, or parent-assisted exercises.

Because babies’ favorite game is peek-a-boo, you’re like an optical Athletic Trainer, making sure their eyes are strong enough to play!