However, it is an unpleasant fact that most children do not receive a comprehensive vision examination until after they have reached school age. For some eye and vision problems, such as amblyopia, this may be too late. The American Optometric Association urges all parents to have their baby's eyes examined by six months of age by their family optometrist. As providers of comprehensive primary eye and vision care, optometrists serve as the first line of defense against problems that often result in life-long visual impairments. Many of these problems can be detected during the first year of life.
Vision is one of the primary sensory modalities for concept development in infants.
Visual impairment, whether obvious or subtle, can have a profound effect on a child's development. Eye and vision conditions must be diagnosed at the earliest possible age in order to maximize visual development and to reduce the incidence of permanent visual impairment. In particular, babies from high-risk pregnancies have a greater incidence of certain eye and vision conditions. OBS assessments are conducted by licensed Doctors of Optometry. The OBS assessments include history, eye health, eye alignment and movement, and visual acuity and refractive status.