Vision and Hearing Program

The vision and hearing program offered by Mercer County Health Department provides vision and hearing screenings to preschool children in Mercer County. A certified vision technician screens children ages 3-5 years old at preschool screenings in all three Mercer County school districts. Screenings are also provided at preschools in the area including Head Start, Bright Beginnings, Time for Tots, Kids at Heart and the YMCA Children’s School. Children who are unable to complete the initial screening are rescreened and if necessary are referred to a specialist for follow-up care. Mercer County Health Department can also screen children as young as 6 months of age using a special photo screener, MTI photoscreener, which gives a Polaroid image of the eyes. This screening can allow for earlier intervention, particularly in children with amblyopia (lazy eye).

If funding allows, vision clinics are offered to Mercer County children through the school districts. The school nurses refer low income children to these clinics. The child is seen by an optometrist and, if needed, glasses are provided. These clinics are offered through a partnership between MCHD, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness. The clinics are free of charge including glasses if prescribed.

Questions may be directed to the .
Responses will be made within 7 days.