Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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Willesden District Council.
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
NOTICE TO PARENTS.
Dear Sir or Madam,
It is reported to me that upon examination your child
has been found to be
suffering from defective vision. It is of the greatest importance,
therefore, that with a view to prevent the eyesight from
becoming worse, an oculist be consulted without delay.
Should glasses be prescribed by the oculist, they should be
procured at once. Do not let the most precious sense your
child possesses be injured either by prejudice or by negligence.
Yours faithfully,
Medical Officer of Health.
It is more important that your child should see well than
look well if the choice lies between the two. The most harmful
superstitions are prevalent with regard to wearing glasses.
Children with defective vision require glasses to correct their
errors of sight, that is to make their eyes normal. Glasses so
worn do not weaken but strengthen the eyes. Neglect to wear
the proper glasses where they are required often leads to
complete loss of sight in one or both eyes. The great majority