As many as one out of every five children has a vision problem that no one knows about. Because eyesight is a key component of learning, it is important to diagnose and treat vision problems early.

About Us

The Infant, Toddler and Children’s Clinic at Berkeley Optometry specializes in optometric care for children from birth to 6 years of age. Our optometrists use their special expertise and vision tests developed at UC Berkeley to thoroughly examine the eyes and visual abilities of infants and young children. 

Our Services

Internationally recognized for excellence in patient care and leadership in research 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to comprehensively examine your child’s eyes and vision and to answer the question “What can my child see?” If needed, we prescribe glasses to correct blurry vision. Infant and child sized frames are available in our eyewear department. Our clinic is open seven days a week with a choice among six optometrists performing the eye exam. Most insurance plans cover the eye exams. 

Goals

Our comprehensive exams are designed to thoroughly evaluate the eyes and visual abilities of infants and young children for the following conditions. Click on the plus sign to read more.

Did You Know? 

  • Even babies and young children should have their eyes checked. Comprehensive vision exams are recommended for children at 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years of age.
  • Children who receive treatment for vision problems when they are young are better prepared to successfully participate in school.
  • Most aspects of your baby’s vision are adult-like by the end of their first year.
  • Signs that your baby or young child might have a vision problem include: issues with hand-eye coordination, frequently closes or covers one eye, holds toys or books close to their eyes, frequently rubs their eyes, blinks excessively, squints, or cannot maintain fixation on tasks

Pediatric Vision Facts

80% of learning is through vision, yet only 14% of children under age six have had a comprehensive eye exam. 

One out of five children has a vision problem that no one knows about. 

Contact Us

Appointments can be made in person by telephone.

Infant, Toddler and Children’s Clinic (ITC) 
UC Berkeley Optometry 
200 Minor Addition 
Berkeley, CA 94720-2020

Infant, Toddler and Children’s Clinic (ITC) 

Deborah Orel-Bixler, OD, PhD, FAAO
Associate Clinical Professor