St. Louis—CareCredit’s Caring Communities Program is making a difference in the vision health of children with a $25,000 grant to Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation’s InfantSEE program. This marks the fourth consecutive year CareCredit, a leading health wellness and beauty credit card, has contributed to InfantSEE.

InfantSEE, a public health program, managed by Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation, is designed to ensure that eye and vision care become an essential part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. According to Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation, vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the U.S. and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood.

More than 7,300 InfantSEE optometrists examine an estimated 10,000 infants annually for normal eye development and to intervene early if necessary. To date, more than 122,000 babies have been seen and 10 percent have been identified for greater concerns and follow-up.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to CareCredit for once again providing generous support of our efforts to provide education about the importance of regular eye care for children,” said Rebecca Hildebrand, director, Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation.

CareCredit’s grant will be used to expand awareness of the InfantSEE program among new parents through print advertising, brochures, signage and displays and online efforts.