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Vision Screening

Vision Screening

Vision screening of pre-school children is conducted by Local Health Department staff at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and school-age children are screened in grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, or in conjunction with driver training classes.

Many children enter school with vision problems. Children usually do not know that they see differently. Early identification of an eye problem is important. Conditions like amblyopia, or lazy eye, can be prevented if detected and treated during pre-school years.

The Most Important Thing About First Grade... You Get Your Eyes Checked

Services:
The Vision Screening Program screens more than 669,000 pre-school and school-age children in Michigan each year.

More than 70,000 referrals are made to eye doctors annually.

Vision Screening:
Includes testing for visual acuity, eye muscle function, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and symptoms of other eyesight problems.

Conducted at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 for preschoolers, and grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, or in conjunction with driver training classes.

Vision testimonial: Mason was so impacted by his big brother needing glasses (through the health dept vision screening at his elementary school) he wrote this essay.

FREE Vision Screenings at Your Local Health Department

All county or district health departments have a Vision Screening Program which includes initial screening, retesting, and referral of children.

Vision screening of pre-school and school-age children includes tests using screening and testing procedures approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH):

  • Clearness of vision
  • Eye muscle balance
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness

These tests are used to screen pre-school and school-age children aid in identifying children who may have vision problems that require additional evaluation and follow-up.

A referral is made to an eye care professional after a child has failed one or more of the battery of vision screening tests or has an observable symptom. Follow-up for all referrals is conducted helping to assure that care is received. Completed follow-up is reported to MDCH. At least ten percent of the children screened in Michigan are referred annually to an eye care professional.

Of all children screened in Michigan annually, the Michigan Vision Screening Test Battery routinely identifies 10-15% of those screened as needing eye care.

Only a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose visual conditions.

Screenings are intended for all children in Michigan without cost and are conducted in all schools and at your Local Health Department by appointment.

Letter to Eye Care Professionals (PDF)

Michigan's Hearing and Vision Law

Vision Forms:

Vision Screening Program - Digital screening Record - FY21
Vision Training Request Form for Health Departments
Michigan's Public Health Hearing & Vision Screening Program
Vision Screening Order Form DCH-0504
Quarterly Vision Screening Report
Kindergarten Entry/Preschool Hearing/Vision Screening Record DCH-0479
Kindergarten Entry Information
 

Vision Program Consultant: Rachel Schumann, Ph.D., RN
517-335-6596

Contact Your Local Health Department

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Hearing Laughter, Seeing Smiles Topics

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitates the Hearing and Vision screenings provided by your Local Health Department.  All of Michigan's children receive this FREE service in public, private, and charter schools as well as in preschool programs, Head Start programs, and large childcare centers.
Home
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This State mandated program provides hearing and vision screening services FREE of charge to all Michigan children.  It is managed by MDHHS, executed by Local Health Departments, and successful in large part due to the collaboration with local preschools and schools.
About the Programs
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Vision screening of pre-school children is conducted by Local Health Department staff at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and school-age children are screened in grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, or in conjunction with driver training classes.
Vision Screening
Photo of children in a classroom.
The MDHHS Hearing Screening Program supports Local Health Departments in screening children at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and every other year between the ages of 5 and 10 years.  Many Local Health Departments also screen children younger than 3 using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs).
Hearing Screening
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Your child's hearing and vision impacts their success in school. An undiagnosed hearing problem may impact your child's ability to pay attention or follow directions. An undiagnosed vision problem may affect your child's ability to read and learn.
Parent Information
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When a child is identified with a hearing or vision problem, your assistance is invaluable in referring them to the appropriate intervention specialists (Early On, Special Education and other professionals) as necessary.
Health Care Providers
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Links to helpful information and resources. 
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