School-Based Health Centers
School-based health centers are primary health care sites located in schools or nearby schools. There are 33 school-based health centers (SBHCs) in Chicago that provide services that include but are not limited to: immunizations, physical exams, sports physicals, behavioral healthcare, chronic condition management, sexual and reproductive health care, and acute care.
Find a School-Based Health Center
CPS partners with community health organizations to manage 33 School-Based Health Centers throughout Chicago.
School-based health centers provide comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate, non-judgmental, confidential care. Students can access health services at school-based health centers at no out-of-pocket cost. Most school-based health services require parent or caregiver consent. Some SBHCs are available to the community and to neighboring schools. Please call ahead before making an appointment. View the list of the 33 CPS School-Based Health Centers.
Community Health Clinics
Use the Find a Health Center map to locate a Federally Qualified Health Center near you. Health Centers can provide you and your family with comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services as well as supportive services such as health education, translation, and transportation that promote access to health care. Federally Qualified Health Centers provide services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding fee scale.
Vision
CPS offers a variety of resources to assist students as well as parents and caregivers in obtaining vision screenings. Vision screenings are required annually for students in Pre-K, K, 2nd, and 8th Grades. Students who are new to the district and students with an IEP must also receive vision screenings.
- Vision screenings are conducted to determine if a student requires a full vision exam.
- Vision exams are done by a doctor to determine overall health and prescribe eyeglasses if needed.
Screenings and Exam Referrals
Vision Screening Technicians are assigned to every school to provide free vision screenings for students. Technicians reach out to the school to schedule services. If a student needs a vision exam, the technician will provide parents and caregivers with referral resources to ensure the parent is able to schedule an appointment for a vision exam. Screening clinics are also available by appointment for students who were absent on screening days or who are new to the school.
Vision Screening Clinic Location
Garfield Park Office
2651 W. Washington Blvd.,
Chicago IL 60612
For more information, please email OSHW@cps.edu.
Vision Exams
CPS partners with a variety of agencies to provide access to vision services and glasses at no cost to the student or family. Vision exams are required by October 15th for students entering Kindergarten or entering Illinois schools for the first time at any grade level. Vision exams are recommended for students who:
- Fail the vision screening
- Require an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Receive teacher recommendation based upon classroom observation
- Experience squinting, tilting of the head, sitting close to the television, losing place while reading, rubbing eyes, excessive tearing or headaches
School-Based Vision Program
Ask your school when the school-based vision provider is scheduled, or call the CPS Vision team to find out more at 773-553-5437.
Illinois Eye Institute at the Lewenson Center
The Illinois Eye Institute at the Lewenson Center is a vision clinic that provides students with comprehensive eye exams and glasses, if needed. The Illinois Eye Institute may bill Medicaid health insurance or other currently applicable insurance companies for services. Please call to make an appointment.
Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) at the Lewenson Center
3241 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
312-949-7990
Protect Your Eyes
Do you have visual eye strain?
One of the most common issues from increased screen time is something called visual eye strain which can lead to dry eye. Dry eye occurs when we don’t create enough tears or do not have good quality tears to keep the eye moisturized.
What Can Cause Visual Eye Strain?
Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.
How to Reduce the Risk of Visual Eye Strain?
These simple exercises can be done throughout the day to rest the eyes.
- Blinking Exercise - Gently close your eyes. Pause and keep eyes closed for two seconds.Gently open your eyes. Repeat five times.
- The 20/20/20 Vision Rule - Every 20 minutes take at least a 20 second break from extended screen time and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away.
- Stay hydrated and eat fruits and vegetables - Staying hydrated and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your overall health, and it's good for your eyes too.
To learn more about visual eye strain and dry eye, watch our videos below or view our graphics [ English | Spanish ].
Elementary School - English
Elementary School - Spanish
High School - English
High School - Spanish
Vision Exam Resources
- Vision FAQ for Parents [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ] (Please call the CPS Vision Office at (262) 586-9130 for updated hours and locations during COVID-19)
- State of Illinois Vision Examination Report [ ENGLISH | SPANISH]
- Vision Exam Consent Form [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]
- Preventing Eye Strain - The 20-20-20 Vision Rule
- Vision Program: Schedule An Eye Exam [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]
- 10 Signs a Student Needs Eyeglasses
Hearing
Hearing screenings are required annually for students in Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades. Students who are new to the district and students with an IEP must also receive hearing screenings.
- Hearing screenings are conducted to determine if a student requires a full hearing exam.
- Hearing exams are done by a doctor to determine overall health and prescribe hearing aids if needed.
Screenings and Exam Referrals
Hearing Screening Technicians are assigned to every school to provide free hearing screenings for students. Technicians reach out to the school to schedule services. If a student needs a hearing exam, the technician will provide parents and caregivers with referral resources to ensure the parent is able to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam. Screening clinics are also available by appointment for students who were absent on screening days or who are new to the school.
Hearing Exams
CPS partners with the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System's Department of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) to treat various diseases of the ear, such as chronic ear infections and hearing loss.
Students who meet referral criteria following a hearing screening and/or threshold test by the CPS Audiometric & Vision Screening Technician are referred to a medical provider or UIC who will contact the parent/caregiver to make an appointment.
The UIC Eye and Ear Infirmary requires insurance. If you need assistance enrolling in Medicaid, reach out to the CPS Children and Family Benefits Unit. You will need to obtain a referral or authorization if they are required by your insurance carrier.
UIC Eye and Ear Infirmary
1855 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
312-996-6522
Dental
The school-based dental program in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides all consented students with access to dental exams at no cost to families. Exams are comprehensive and include dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and dental sealants as necessary. To receive no-cost dental services at school, submit the Dental Consent Form as soon as possible.
Dental Exam Resources
If you want your student to receive dental services with CPS, please fill out the school-based dental consent form and return it to your student's school.
- CPS School-Based Dental Consent Form [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]
- School-Based Dental Program Parent FAQ [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]
- Student Health Resource Flyer
If your student already has a provider and you do not want them to participate in our cps dental program, fill out this form and return it to your student’s school.