School Vision & Hearing Screening Program

Each year Illinois Schools are mandated  by the Child Vision and Hearing Test Act of Illinois to perform vision and hearing screenings in the school setting.  These screenings are performed by a state approved vision and hearing screening technician.  BSD2 starts these screenings as soon as possible in the school year, so that students will be provided an optimum educational experience.  If your child does not pass these screenings you will be informed and asked to complete the  referral form sent home by the appropriate medical provider.  Please return the completed referral form to your school's health office as soon as completed.

Illinois mandates hearing screenings for all students in preschool and grades K-3; for all students receiving special education services; for teacher or parent referrals; and for transfer students. Vision screenings are mandated for students in preschool and grades K, 2, and 8; for all students receiving special education services; for teacher or parent referrals; and for transfer students.

The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to hearing or vision screening tests for their children on religious grounds.  If a religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing such objections must be presented to your child’s school. 

Vision and hearing screenings are not substitutes for a complete eye and ear examination by an appropriate doctor. Your child will not be required to undergo this vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months and that evaluation is on file at the school. Your child will not be required to undergo this hearing screening if an audiologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months and that evaluation is on file at the school. Vision and hearing screenings are not an option. If a vision or hearing examination report is not on file at the school for your child and your child is in the mandated age, grade, or group, your child will be screened.