October, 20, 2025

Mott Children’s Health Center, Ferris State’s Michigan College of Optometry partner to provide vision care to Flint area children

a group of people holding a large ribbon with two people in the middle holding large scissors — Left to right: Jennifer DeAnna, MCHC clinical director; Jennifer Schad, Ferris State assistant dean of Clinical Education and director of Community Outreach; Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint and Genesee Group; State Sen. John Cherry; Ferris State President Bill Pink; State Rep. Cynthia Neely; Daniel Taylor, dean of the Michigan College of Optometry; Bobby Fleischman, Ferris State provost, Todd Wiseley, MCHC CEO; and JoAnne Herman, member of the MCHC board of directors.

FLINT, Mich. —

Mott Children’s Health Center and Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry are partnering to help Genesee County children have better access to vision care through a pediatric optometry clinic within the center.

Mott Children’s Health Center provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services to eligible children in Genesee County. The collaboration will increase access to routine and medical eyecare and brings a wide array of pediatric optometry services to the Mott Children’s Health Center campus.

“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, Mott Children’s Health Center.

Mott Children’s Health Center’s mission for more than 85 years has been to improve health outcomes for children in Genesee County.

Dr. Daniel Taylor, MCO’s dean, said providing vision care can change the lives of students, especially when connected with the other health services offered at Mott Children’s Health Center. “We are excited to be a part of the excellent health care team at Mott,” Taylor said. “By providing vision care, we can diagnose and treat preventable blindness from conditions like amblyopia, help children read comfortably and clearly, and ensure the health of the visual system as the other providers at Mott ensure the health of the other bodily systems.”

MCO partners with local, national, and international organizations to bring vision care to people in need. It is Michigan’s first college of optometry, celebrating its 50th year.

The college works with several local school districts to provide vision screenings to elementary school students, and faculty and students are part of a group that annually visits the nation of Dominica to provide vision care and glasses to people in need. Faculty and students also participated in the Remote Area Medical clinic on campus this summer to provide free eye care to people in need.

The new pediatric optometry clinic will open this winter and will initially operate two days per week. It is located within Mott Children’s Health Center at 806 Tuuri Place in Flint. Appointments can be made by calling 1-810-767-5750.