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As unilateral squint is invariable associated with amblyopia,
treatment cannot be commenced too soon, and where such is possible,
results of treatment are very favourable. Any opportunity that may
present itself of examining the vision of children of pre-school age
where there is a family history of squint or "lazy eye" should be
taken advantage of, as it often means earlier detection of an amblyopic
eye. In testing these young children who have not yet learnt the
alphabet, the Beale-Collins picture test types is most helpful."
Orthopaedic Clinics
Inability to obtain the services of a physiotherapist for most of
the year hampered the work of the clinics. Mr. E. Hambly, F.R.C.S,
of the Lordship Lane Orthopaedic Clinic comments that last year was
extremely busy and he continued to be impressed by the very high
standard of intelligence with which both children and their parents
carry out instructions. Both parents frequently attend with their
children and their combined interest is a great help.
Dr. E. G. M. Palser of the Hornsey Orthopaedic Clinic
comments on the absence of a physiotherapist and notes that there
were only 57 attendances for the physiotherapist instead of a possible
3,000. A few children were treated in hospital physiotherapy
departments but most were instructed in home exercises, which they
carried out with the ready assistance of their parents, who continued
to take a keen interest in these matters.
Audiometry
The increasing importance paid to early detection of hearing
defects in children is shown by the table below, which gives the
number and results of audiometry tests during 1962.
The aim is to test each child's hearing three times during
school life, the first test being not later than the age of seven
years. Special cases such as children with cerebral palsy, children
who fail to develop proper speech and those who fail without apparent
reason to make proper progress at school are seen as "specials".
The percentage of those failing routine audiometry may seem rather
high, but a large proportion are cured by relatively simple measures
such as removal of wax from the ears. Those who require further
investigation are seen by Dr. L. Fisch, the consultant otologist at
the Audiology Unit.
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