London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
London County Council 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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88
Vision
The table below contains the statistics as to the standard of visual acuity of
pupils whose sight was tested at routine inspections. The numbers shown as being
in possession of spectacles are regarded as an understatement rather than otherwise,
as instances of failure to record this information have been noted:—
| 1938 % | 1947 % | 1948 % | 1949 % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 years old | Boys | 63.8 | 80.0 | 79.2 | 78.2 |
| Girls | 63.6 | 77.4 | 78.2 | 76.5 | |
| 11 years old | Boys | 70.8 | 80.7 | 81.7 | 80.1 |
| Girls | 67.8 | 76.7 | 78.1 | 76.9 | |
| Leavers | Boys | 71.4 | 80.7 | 80.9 | 79.7 |
| Girls | 68.9 | 77.3 | 76.7 | 76.0 | |
| Other ages | Boys | — | 80.8 | 81.2 | 77.4 |
| Girls | — | 76.8 | 76.4 | 73.4 | |
| 1938 % | 1947 % | 1948 % | Already wearing spectacles | Not wearing spectacles | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 years old | Boys | 6.5 | 6.0 | 7.4 | 0.7 | 6.1 | 6.8 |
| Girls | 7.3 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 0.7 | 6.8 | 7.5 | |
| 11 years old | Boys | 9.7 | 91 | 8.9 | 2.0 | 7.3 | 9.3 |
| Girls | 10.3 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 2.2 | 8.2 | 10.4 | |
| Leavers | Boys | 9.9 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 2.4 | 6.9 | 9.3 |
| Girls | 11.1 | 10.6 | 12.2 | 3.4 | 9.0 | 12.4 | |
| Other ages | Boys | — | 9.2 | 9.8 | 1.6 | 7.7 | 9.3 |
| Girls | — | 11.5 | 12.0 | 3.3 | 8.7 | 12.0 | |
Conforming to previous experience over many years the incidence of defective
vision is higher in girls than boys.
The incidence of squint should be considered in conjunction with vision.
Figures show that the prevalence of squint was highest in the entrant group, falling
to an insignificant level in the leaver group. The overall figure for pupils referred
for treatment for squint was 1.1 per cent. compared with 1.0 per cent. in 1947 and
1948, and 0.6 per cent. in 1938. It is doubtful if this was a real rise in incidence,
it is likely that it indicates more intensive case finding.
Cooperation
of
parents and
care
committee
The percentage attendance of parents and representatives of the children's
care committee at routine inspections showed that the co-operation of parents, as
judged by this test, especially for the earlier age groups, was quite good, being
92 per cent. for entrants. The attendance of care committee representatives was
around the 90 per cent. level.
Pupils
referred for
treatment
Prior to 1947, there were no figures for pupils referred for treatment for malnutrition.
Bearing in mind that 1 per cent. of pupils were referred for treatment
for this condition an increase in the total figure of pupils referred for treatment of any