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The following is an analysis of such cases at present in the
Acton Schools :—
Myopia.
A. Excluded as unfit for an ordinary school (—20D) 1
B. High myopia (over —4.50 D)—In school with special
instructions as regards near work, etc. 10
C. Low myopia—No special instructions 21
32
Group B are seen at frequent and regular intervals. At present
in 8 cases the myopia is stationary, and in two increasing slightly.
The Strabismus cases are as follows : —
Internal strabismus 46
External ,, 3
Alternating concomitant 14
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The revisits of the strabismus cases show very clearly the
immense importance of early treatment and the provision of
correcting glasses. In children of 7 and 8 the results of treatment
are disappointing. The squint may sometimes disappear, but the
sight does not return, and the child for all practical purposes has
only one eye. Even at 5, the earliest age at which the Medical
Officer can observe the defect, the sight is often much affected,
though with perseverance in treatment an excellent result can
still be obtained. Unfortunately, parents are very slow to believe
that a squint is any drawback, and often do not understand that
it is only a symptom of defective vision. Often they are convinced
that at the mystic age of 7 the child "will grow out of it," and
so the opportunity to preserve the sight is lost.
On the other hand, the School Medical Officer now sees some
children under school age at the Mothers' Welcome, and here
some squints have been noticed, and the mothers persuaded to get
treatment for children under 5 with excellent results.
As a typical example of the good effect of early treatment, the