View report page

Ophthalmic Clinic.
I am indebted to Mr. R. M. Chambers, M.B., B.S.,
D.O.M.S., for the following report: —
The attendance at Little Danson Ophthalmic Clinic has
been well maintained during the year and the waiting list
has rarely exceeded four weeks.
The number of squint cases shows little change and
those needing orthoptic treatment are still faced with the
journey to London which may have to be made each week
for some months.
In a few particularly difficult cases it has been possible
to arrange treatment at an L.C.C. centre nearer Welling but
this can be done only on rare occasions.
I have often been impressed by the connection between
squints and family tensions is so far as they can be divined
at one or two visits.
Frequently a temporary breakdown of binocular vision
coincides with a crisis at home and the awareness of this
has often avoided a change of glasses which might otherwise
have been thought necessary. In connection with this it is
of great help to receive some hints of the family habits, if
they appear to have a bearing on the case.
I would like to record my appreciation of the ready
help I have received from The Head Teachers of the various
schools whose pupils come to me.
Speech Therapy.
I am indebted to Miss Joan Pollitt, Chief Speech Therapist
to the Kent Education Committee for the following
report.
Plans have proceeded during the year for the opening
of a new clinic at Murchison Avenue. The opening of this
clinic will enable sessions to be given throughout the week,
instead of on Fridays only as at present. The additional
sessions will considerably decrease the waiting list of 81,
which was being carried at the end of 1954 by the Wrolham
Road Clinic. It has been possible even this year to relieve
the waiting list to some extent by arranging for certain cases
to attend the Sidcup and Crayford Clinics.
Forty-seven cases have been closed during the year;
twenty-two having been dealt with at the Wrotham Road
Clinic, two at Crayford twenty at Sidcup, and three cases
having been closed without being seen.
55