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138
adenoids at the throat clinic or at various London Hospitals some
two weeks before admission to the class. A remarkable improvement
in weight, chest expansion and general physique was to be
noted at the end of the course of instruction.
(c) Tuberculosis.
All children in whom the presence of tuberculosis is suspected
are referred to the tuberculosis dispensary for further examination,
and for such advice, treatment or continued observation as
may be appropriate.
During 1924, 90 children were referred to the Tuberculosis
Officer by the medical officers of schools, and 29 children through
other channels. 27 were ascertained to be tuberculous, 13 others
after a period of observation were found to be free from the disease,
while the remainder were under supervision at the end of the year.
In addition, 261 contacts of the definite cases of tuberculosis were
examined.
The total number of attendances at the tuberculosis dispensary
by children of school age was 4,742, as compared with 3,594
in 1923.
Sanatorium or hospital treatment was provided in suitable
cases. In others, milk or cod liver oil was prescribed. Advice
was given to parents at the dispensary by the Tuberculosis Officer,
and at the homes by visits of the health visitors.
Early in 1925, a routine was established for a closer joint
supervision of child contacts of cases of infective tuberculosis by
the school medical staff and the tuberculosis officer, and for regular
exchange of information between these officers as to the condition
of such children.
(d) Vision and External Eye Diseases.
The Eye Clinic was transferred during the course of the year
from the Town Hall to 228, London Road. The clinic is held on
two mornings each week, and is conducted by a part-time ophthalmic
specialist, with the assistance of one of the health visitors.
580 children underwent a refraction test during the year at the
eye clinic, and in 493 of these spectacles were prescribed. 441 of
these obtained spectacles under the Committee's scheme during the
course of the year. In addition, 14 children underwent examination
at the eye clinic and received advice for other defects or for diseases
of the eye.