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84
Special Examination.
In addition to the foregoing numbers 741 children have
been examined who were kept apart by the teachers.
Eye Disease and Vision.
Early in 1909 the teachers of the district were asked to
furnish lists of those scholars whose eyesight was considered
defective, and as a result over 600 names were submitted.
It has obviously been impossible to cope with all these
cases in addition to other medical work, but during the year
over 200 cases have been specially examined. The children
examined were those selected as most urgently needing treatment,
and the results may be shewn in the following table:—
No. of cases examined 201
No change needed 57
Directions given 61
Obtained glasses 54
Noted for re-examination 6
Failed 11
Examined and since left district 9
Went to optician 3
The class described as needing "no change" refers to those
children already wearing spectacles, or those who had suffered
from headache, which on examination did not appear to be
due to eye strain. It also included some children who had
apparently failed to read Snellen's Types when tested by the
teachers, though on a later occasion they read correctly.
The term "directions given" included advice as to
change of spectacles, where necessary, or recommendation to
procure spectacles (often accompanied by hospital letters or
cards to ensure patients' attendance). Besides advice given to
the children, printed cards are sent to the parents calling
their attention to the defect found and urging medical advice
and treatment.