What can be done to help an infant or toddler who is visually impaired?
It is important for a pediatric eye specialist to examine the baby as early as possible. Several of the eye conditions that cause significant visual impairment in young children can be treated either medically or surgically with resulting improvement in the babys vision. Examples include congenital cataracts and glaucoma. Even when there are no surgical interventions, there is a great deal that can be done by parents, teachers, and other care givers to help the child effectively use whatever vision is present. Interventions also make it much easier for the child to explore and understand the world around him despite limited or absent vision. Early intervention programs can collaborate with educators, either in the childs home or through childcare and preschool programs. Orientation and Mobility (O & M) instructors can help young children learn to safely and efficiently move around and explore their environment, which is a critical factor in how well a child learns about the world. Ther
