Kingsford –The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department will conduct free hearing and vision screenings for preschool as well as school-age children at upcoming clinics.

Those who may have missed previous screenings and home-schooled students are welcome at this free screening.

Any resident age 18 or younger is welcome. Clinics will be held on Aug. 19, 21 and 24 in Dickinson County and Aug. 17 in Iron County at the local health departments.

Michigan law requires that children entering school be tested for hearing and vision problems before enrollment. In addition, health care professionals encourage young children to be screened to detect problems at an early age.

Preschoolers are tested for clearness of vision, muscle balance and any obvious symptoms of eyesight problems. Five to 10% of preschoolers screened may be referred to a professional eye care specialist for further examination.

Hearing loss is a common problem. A hearing problem can affect a child’s behavior or performance in the classroom. Seven out of 10 children need treatment for an ear problem before they reach the age 4. Children showing hearing problems at the screening are then offered the opportunity to attend a free otology clinic to be examined by a medical ear specialist.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, measures have been taken to keep everyone safe.

Clinic appointments are spaced farther apart to limit people in the lobby. Temperatures will be taken upon entry and masks will be worn, as well as disinfection of all surfaces and equipment between clients.

Contact the health department now to set up an appointment: In Dickinson County, call 906-774-1868; in Iron County, call 906-265-9913.