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142
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE
OPHTHALMIC CLINICS.
The Clinics held by Mr. W. A. Gray, F.R.C.S., began on the 14th May, 1935,
and seventy sessions were held during the year.
Cases referred to the eye clinic can be divided into two groups :—
(1) Visual Defects.
(2) External Eye Diseases.
The latter group is the smaller but none the less important because some of
these cases are contagious and prompt treatment limits spread of the disease.
Daily treatment at the clinic ensures quick recovery and prevents cases becoming
chronic, a not infrequent sequel of inadequate attention. Minor operations are
performed at the clinic while more serious conditions requiring in-patient treatment
are admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital.
Visual defects in children consist chiefly of long sight and short sight. Each
condition entails some disadvantage or even danger of permanent disability.
Many cases are remedied by the wearing of suitable glasses but in others the visual
symptoms are due to disease elsewhere. In hypermetropia or long sight the
wearing of glasses may remedy the visual defect equally in both eyes. Frequently,
however, it is found that although both eyes are normal the vision is unequal.
In other words, one eye is used to a much greater extent than the other. Such children
are potential "squinters." Measures must be taken to restore the vision of the
neglected eye while there is yet time, for neglect to do so will produce permanent
loss of good vision. Where an actual squint is present, treatment should be
instituted forthwith. A special record of all such cases is kept and frequent
attendance at the clinics is arranged. In addition, the co-operation of parents and
teachers must be obtained if the best results are to be hoped for; in Barking I have
been much impressed by the eagerness with which this scheme has been adopted by
all concerned.