This paper describes the initial organization of the infant's reaction to having his vision occluded by an opaque cloth; traces the development of this reaction over the first six months; and probes the role the occlusion of vision plays in provoking the reaction. Fifty videotaped sessions of infants during two conditions - eyes covered with an opaque cloth and with a clear cloth - and control periods were conducted. The experimental design combined both longitudinal and cross-sectional observations using a total of 12 infants during the age range of 2 days to 26 weeks. Data analysis involved detailed narrative descriptions of the videotapes; quantitative measures of behavior patterns; and formulation of developmental phases. Four developmental phases for the opaque cloth defensive reaction are outlined. The infants initially reacted vigorously, swiping at the cloth and closing their eyes. They gradually inhibited agitated movements and maintained longer alert periods. Finally, they removed the cloth by grasping. The clear cloth provoked a much diminished defensive reaction. The infant's ability to actively use visual input in organizing his behavior and the relevance of the observed developmental pattern to theories of repetition of adaptive behavior and of skill development are discussed. (Author/SB)