View report page

14
Defects of Vision
Defects of vision constitute the largest single group of
abnormalities discovered by the School Health Service. In 1965
27.2% of all defects were in this group (Table 3). Dr. Clarke
has commented on the high degree of accuracy of visual acuity
testing achieved at the school medical inspections, on the basis
of the cases referred to him at Purley Eye Clinic (page 27).
This is particularly encouraging since it is sometimes difficult,
especially in older schools, to find suitably illuminated
accommodation in which the tests may be completed at the usually
recognised distance of six metres. In addition to the vision
tests conducted in association with routine medical inspections,
a further examination of vision was introduced in all secondary
schools at the age of thirteen years. This is a period of school
life during which a large proportion of children may expect to
devote an increasing amount of time to study' and close work.
Defects of vision are likely to interfere with this process so
that it is important to develop a progressively more sophisticated
service of detection. Indeed some medical officers have
advocated annual vision tests during the major part of school
life. Waiting lists at the various Eye Clinics have gradually
declined during the year and it has been possible to arrange for
all children to see an ophthalmic surgeon or ophthalmic medical
practitioner within a reasonable period of time. Every effort is
made to persuade parents to accept a further examination by a
medical practitioner with special experience in the field, when
a defect of vision is found in school. After this initial
examination either at the Hospital or School Clinic the parent
is given a free choice of opticians if glasses have been prescribed.
Colour vision is tested routinely at the age of 11 years in
all secondary schoolboys so that preliminary warning can be
given before the child has chosen a career in which normal
colour vision is an absolute condition. Abnormal colour vision
is a familial condition which is not capable of correction. Most
affected children develop a remarkable skill in associating
colours so that the discovery of the condition sometimes produces
obvious surprise or even frank disbelief.