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47
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL OCULIST.
There has been a good attendance of children at the Eye Clinic.
During the, year 1946 the following numbers of children were
examined:
Elementary and Secondary Schools 380
From Infant Welfare Clinics 29
Spectacles were prescribed in 272 cases.
One child was referred for orthopic, treatment and one for
operation for squint.
One child was referred to a myope school.
(Signed) V. E. Brander.
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTAL SURGEON.
Regarding the general dental condition of the children a definite
improvement is to be seen in the lowest age groups, compared with
pre-war standards. This was, perhaps, more noticeable to people
returning to civil life from the forces (as I did in February of this
year) and one's first reaction was to give credit largely to the extra
milk, fruit juices., cod liver oil, etc. supplied. However, a very
similar improvement took place during and immediately after the
1914-18 war, when these foods were not available in the same way.
It will, therefore, be interesting to see if, and for how much longer
the improvement is maintained this time. Reduction in the amount
of sweets, cakes, etc., probably also has its effect.
The figures for treatment show an increase on last year, though
owing to difficulties of accommodation and the unavoidable, absence
of staff, this was less than it otherwise would have been.
The percentage of acceptance of treatment has risen from 47%
to over 65.9% this year. Though this is still low, it is a good move
in the right direction. The increase in acceptance rate for Maternity
and Child Welfare cases was from 50% to 77%.
One of our greatest problems is the number of cases requiring
orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, owing to the length of waiting
lists, the orthodontic specialist has been unable to accept more
new cases since June.