Dr. Philip W. Johnston, a national leader and pioneer in developing programs to test children for hearing and vision problems, is honored in an exhibit.  The equipment featured are instruments he developed and used in his work.  They were donated by his family.

During the 40-plus years Dr. Johnston was affiliated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, he developed hearing and vision screening examinations that became standard for public school students over much of the United States.  Through his inventions and research, automated testing methods replaced the inefficient, inexact, and time-consuming procedures formerly used. A board-certified psychologist, with degrees from Harvard, Dr. Johnston headed the Department of Public Health's Division of Maternal and Child Health Services until his retirement in 1974.  He died in the fall of 1994.

The Public Health Museum, in its first major exhibit devoted to the work of a nationally-known public health figure from New England, is pleased to recognize the many contributions Dr. Johnston made toward protecting and improving the health of children.

Our special thanks to Philip W. Johnston of Marshfield, Massachusetts, son of Dr. Philip W. Johnston, and other members of his family for making this exhibit possible.

To become a member, click here.

For information on volunteering, click here.