Early Identification and Intervention

It is important that infants and toddlers who may have issues with vision and/or hearing be identified and referred early in order to receive specific and specialized interventions to foster development of skills and learning. When a child has a combined hearing and vision loss, access to both auditory and visual stimuli are limited and special attention must be taken to ensure that information about their environment and world around them be provided in alternative, meaningful formats. Combined vision and hearing loss can impact parent/child bonding, motivation for movement, and incidental learning. Early identification is critical to provide access to resources and services and to support the child in meeting developmental milestones.  Screening for vision and hearing loss should occur regularly.  For more information, go to: https://www.nationaldb.org/national-initiatives/early/

Screening and Evaluation Resources

  • Infant See is a program sponsored by the American Optometric Association, designed to ensure eye and vision care begins early. Through the program, participating vision providers provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age free of charge. For more information, go to infantsee.org
  • Resources for hearing tests for young children

Signs of Vision and/or Hearing Loss

Importance of Early Intervention for Children who are Deaf/Blind