Free Hearing and Vision Screenings for Kindergartners This Summer

Schedule now before the back-to-school rush!

screening

Free hearing and vision screenings are now available at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2021 are eligible for appointments and will be prioritized in accordance with school entry requirements.

Screenings are by appointment only. Please call (616) 394-5266 to schedule your child’s free screening today. The department’s technicians meet the State of Michigan Hearing and Vision Technician Certification criteria and will provide a comprehensive screening with each appointment.

“An undiagnosed hearing and vision problem may interfere with a child’s development,” said Leslie Ver Duin, child health team supervisor with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. “Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school.”

To uphold COVID-19 safety precautions, only one parent/guardian may accompany a child. Masks are required per the MDHHS guidance for healthcare settings. Learn more about the screenings at miOttawa.org/HearingVision.

The ability to hear and see–the ability to learn–is the key to a child’s success.

Michigan’s Public Health Code requires screening during pre-school (ages 3 to 5) and again prior to kindergarten entry. Once a child begins elementary school, free screenings continue on a regular basis.

10% of children screened for vision and 5% of children screened for hearing are referred to specialists