Health Department

Joel Strasz - Public Health Officer
Andre Reed - Deputy Health Officer
Emily Nelson - Public Health Nursing Services Manager
Melissa Opheim - Public Health Services Manager/EPC
Amy Revette - WIC Manager
Mark Pickell - Business Services Manager
Joel Kwiatkowski - Environmental Health Manager
Dr. Thomas Bender - Medical Director
Dr. William Morrone - Medical Examiner
Bay County Health Department
1200 Washington Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708
Voice: (989) 895-4009
Fax: (989) 895-4014

Hearing & Vision Screening


 

  

 Heather  (989) 895-4009 x6151
 Fern  (989) 895-4021
 Fax  (989) 895-4014

The Public Health Code and State Law in Michigan requires pre-school children to have their vision and hearing tested at least once during the ages 3-5 and again prior to entering Kindergarten for the first time. Parents shall present a certificate of hearing and vision screening before the first day of kindergarten. Our certified technicians go directly to the schools and perform hearing screenings on grades K, 2 and 4 and vision screenings on grades 1,3,5,7, and 9. Children who do not pass a screening will have a letter mailed home to parents recommending an appointment with a medical professional for further testing. These services are provided free of charge.

The main purpose of screening children of this age is to detect any vision and hearing defects and/or loss as early as possible. Difficulties can often be remedied if they are discovered at a time when they are easiest to treat. Undiagnosed hearing problems 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.