Copyright M Live Michigan
FLINT, MI - A ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Oct. 20 celebrated the launch of a new pediatric optometry clinic at Mott Children’s Health Center. The new clinic is the result of a partnership with Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry to expand access to vision care for Genesee County children. Expected to open to the public in early winter 2026, the new clinic will allow children to receive comprehensive eye care alongside medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services at Mott’s Flint campus — making it a true one-stop shop for pediatric health care located at 806 Tuuri Place. “We are excited to expand the services we provide as a pediatric center of excellence in Genesee County with the addition of our new optometry clinic this fall,” said Todd Wiseley, president and CEO of Mott Children’s Health Center. Dr. Daniel Taylor, dean of the Michigan College of Optometry, said the partnership has been in the works for 18 months and addresses a critical gap in children’s health. “Whenever you have a group of children who are in need of health care and have difficulty finding it for whatever reason, having vision as part of that is absolutely essential,” Taylor said. “Because of the preventable causes of blindness that occur in pediatric patients — most of the time if we can get them in for an eye exam, we can prevent blindness.” Taylor added undiagnosed vision problems can hinder learning. “Any kid who is sitting in a classroom and cannot see the board clearly is at a disadvantage,” he said. “They get labeled as slow learners, but sometimes it’s an undiagnosed issue of vision.” Ferris State’s Michigan College of Optometry — the first and oldest optometry college in the state — has a long history of expanding access to eye care. The college partners with local schools to provide vision screenings, takes part in international outreach to provide glasses and exams, and recently joined the Remote Area Medical clinic to offer free eye care to people in need. “It is so good for our university to be a part of a great opportunity,” Dr. Bill Pink said, president of Ferris State University. “What we can do for this community for our children and their eyesight, that is why we’re here.” The new clinic at Mott Children’s Health Center will initially operate two days a week and offer both routine and medical eye care. Appointments can be made by calling the center at 810-767-5750.
