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171
REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE
OPHTHALMIC CLINICS.
May,1938.
To the School Medical Officer,
Barking Borough Council.
Dear Sir,
Probably it is true to say that in no other department of Medicine is there more
scope for the prevention of disability than in Ophthalmology. At the present
time, much is said about general fitness and the importance of physical training
and games. Good vision is a necessity for all this.
During the age period covered by the school clinics, several eye diseases are
liable to occur, some of which are disabling, some disfiguring but all of them can
in great measure be prevented. In newly-born infants inflammation of the eyes
is not uncommon. It varies from stickiness of the eyes to a severe infection
destructive of vision. This is Ophthalmia Neonatorum. It is rare in Barking,
for elaborate precautions are taken to prevent its occurrence. It is common
knowledge that the general body health, if undermined by disease or unsuitable
feeding, can affect the eyes. In children up to school leaving age a superficial
affection of the eyes may result. This is especially common when the diet is lacking
in essential vitamins. It is not so much the lack of nourishment as a bad choice
in food—fresh fruit and fats being inadequate in quantity.
In Barking there is a special scheme for dealing with such cases. Here they
are called V.D.D. which means Vitamin Deficiency Disease, and when such a case
is seen, the home conditions are investigated and the diet adjusted. Where cure
is delayed because of poor general health the child is sent to Faircross Open-Air
School and extra nourishment in the form of free dinners, milk or cod liver oil is given.
The combination of fresh air and good food is generally effective. In winter the
lack of sunshine is remedied by the artificial sunlight clinic. At the same time the
child is examined for any septic condition which may be helping to lower its health
and well-being. Many years ago it was pointed out that such cases had frequently
bad teeth and enlarged tonsils. This however is rare in Barking and I believe that
the condition is chiefly due to faulty feeding. Such a scheme as has been outlined
above provides for continuity of treatment and is superior to convalescent homes