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As can be seen a proportion of those referred for treatment of defective vision
were wearing spectacles already. This proportion rose from one-tenth at age 7 to
about one-third at age 15. The higher total percentages of children referred for
treatment at older ages is thus almost wholly due to children needing adjustment
of their lenses with the passage of time.
The two tables above show that, in 1950, the incidence of defective vision and
the percentage of pupils referred for treatment of defective vision remained fairly
stable compared with the preceding years. In accordance with experience over many
years the incidence of defective vision was greater among girls than boys.
Squint was most prevalent in the entrant group falling to an insignificant level
in the leaver group. The overall figure for pupils referred for treatment of squint was
0.9 per cent, compared with 1.1 in 1949 and 1.0 in 1948 and 1947.
Co-operation
of parents
and care
committee
The percentage attendance of parents at routine inspections showed that their
co-operation, especially for the earlier age groups, was quite good. The average
attendance of parents at all routine medical inspections was 65 per cent., varying from
92 per cent. in the entrants group and 84 per cent. in the 7 year old group to only 19
per cent. in the leavers group. The attendance of members of the Children's Care
Organisation was around 92 per cent. in the schools which they attend ; this does not
include the grammar and technical schools.
Choice of
employment
Compared with 1949, the number of both sexes together advised against particular
forms of employment showed a reduction from 15.8 per cent. to 15.3 per cent.
Work involving eye strain followed by work involving strenuous physical exertion,
headed for both sexes the list of contra-indications. Exposure to bad weather in the
case of girls, and prolonged standing, much walking or quick movement from place
to place for both sexes were next in order of magnitude. The introduction of the
extended list of contra-indications to conform with the Ministry of Labour Disabled
Persons certificate led to no increase in the level of contra-indications or individuals
concerned. Details are given in Table 17 (page 149).
Following-up
and reinspection
The following-up at their homes of children referred by the school doctors for
observation or treatment, which is an essential part of the school health service,
is carried out by members of the children's care organisation. Each referred child
is re-inspected in school by the school doctor a few months after medical inspection,
to allow time for treatment to be carried out, and further medical re-inspections
are made if necessary, to ensure that as far as possible every child gets adequate
treatment.