Did you know your baby has to learn how to see? Like other muscles, your baby's eyes need training and stimulation to perform the way they are supposed to. Does your baby follow moving objects and reach for things? Are there problems with eye-hand-body coordination? Does your child avoid coloring and puzzles and other detailed activities? Does your child constantly rub his eyes, show sensitivity to light, and have problems focusing?

The Coming to Your Senses program, a partnership between the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Children's Hospital, and the Iowa Lions Clubs, screens Iowa infants and children between the ages of six months and four years at no charge.

As part of the state-wide project, Iowa Lions have been trained to conduct vision screenings using a camera to take photos of just the child's eyes. "These photos are sent to vision specialists at UI Hospitals and Clinics for evaluation," says Lori Short, program coordinator.

"Generally screenings are held at day-care centers and preschools, or other community venues that deal with young children. More than 65,000 Iowa children have been screened since the program started in May 2000, with over 2,750 children needing referral."

For information about screenings in your area, call 319-353-7616 or e-mail CTYS@uiowa.edu.