The Ironton City and Lawrence County health departments will host a free vision clinic for children May 6.

The clinic will be from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the health departments, which share a building at 2120 S Eighth Street in Ironton.

The vision clinic is open to those who are 21 years of age or younger. Parents should accompany their children.

Parents should consider having their child’s vision screened if their child is having trouble seeing at school, Laura Brown, Ironton Health Commissioner, said.

“If their child has some vision changes or maybe some headaches when the child is at school (they should be screened),” Brown said. “Some headaches will be from squinting or eye strain.”

Dr. Richard Simmons, an ophthalmologist who practices in Columbus, and Dr. Mary Payton, an optometrist who practices in Grayson, Ky, will provide vision assessments and prescribe any needed treatments. The clinic is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health.

It is important to have children’s vision examined, Brown said.

“Well it always helps with their learning at school,” she said. “It’s so hard to get into doctors anymore and it costs money. It’s always important to look after the eyes.”

The clinic is open to residents of Lawrence County. Appointments can be made by calling 532-3962 or 532-2172. Residents can also walk in, but should be there before 11 a.m.