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69
In 1935, seven children were referred to hospital for the correction
of defects of muscle balance causing eye strain. These
cases were relieved of symptoms after completion of a course of
orthoptic exercises. Care in the selection of cases is required, not
all being suitable for this form of treatment.
The recommendations of the Committee on Partially Sighted
Children are noted. Very similar standards to those laid down in
the report would appear to have been employed in the Clinic for a
number of years.
The accurate fitting of glasses and the maintenance of frames
in correct adjustment is of great importance. The Clinic is fortunate
in possessing the services of an Optician in attendance, since this
ensures that the maximum of benefit is obtained from the correction
of errors of refraction.
F. CLIFTON.
Partially Sighted Children.
This is the term suggested by the Committee appointed
to inquire into the problems relating to the condition, in preference
t<> the old term of partially blind children.
For educational purposes the definition of blindness is a
much wider one than that adopted for the purposes of the Blind
persons Act. For the purposes of the Education Act, 1921, there
are included not only those children whose vision after correction by
glasses does not enable them to read ordinary school books, but
also those whose vision after correction does not enable them to
read such books without risk or detriment to their eyesight.
Children certified as blind under the Education Act, may
be grouped in 3 categories.
(1)—Those who having extremely defective vision, cannot
be taught by methods involving the use of sight.
(2)—Those whose vision is so defective that they cannot
follow the ordinary school curriculum, but can be taught by special
methods involving the use of sight.
(3)—Those who are suffering from conditions such as myopia
which may be aggravated by following the ordinary school curriculum.
Cases in categories (2) and (3) are the partially sighted for
whom special provision is necessary. Myopia is by far the most