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12
The screening test of vision in use throughout the schools is the standard
Snellen letter chart. A simpler chart is used for younger children who
are expected to draw the shape or to recognise it on a key card rather than
identify the letter by name. Inevitably there are children who are unable to
read all of the letters on the chart but who may not require immediate referral
to an eye specialist. Standards are laid down so that any child who
cannot read all of the letters and who has not yet received a specialist
opinion is re-tested either in six or in twelve months' time, and thereafter
until the vision improves or until a specialist opinion is considered to be
justified. When the child is not able to read the two lowest lines of the
chart or when symptoms of eyestrain are reported, reference to a specialist
is automatic.
The number of children with a significant defect of vision in Croydon
appears to have outstripped available medical treatment resources in the
area. In successive reports the very high proportion of vision defects has
been stressed. In some age groups every fourth child fails to reach an
acceptable standard (Table 6). Waiting lists for the Mayday Eye Clinic,
administered by the Hospital Service, continue to be long, and the Commit;
tee therefore agreed to extend its own service during the year by the creation
of a third school eye clinic at Parkway, New Addington (page 54).
The School Health Service cannot be satisfied, however, with the
mere provision of spectacles. Despite changing attitudes there are still
far too many school children who do not wear the spectacles which have
been especially designed to help them. This seems to be particularly so
when the defect affects only one eye. Neither parents nor children seem
yet to appreciate the enormous importance of satisfactory vision in both
eyes in the age of the motor car. The use of two eyes allows judgement
of distance as those who have seen "three D" pictures will readily appreciate.
It is now standard practice to write to parents when a school child
who appears to need spectacles is found at a routine test not to be wearing
them. A copy of the letter is sent to the Head Teacher so that he, too, is
aware of the position. Occasionally a simple explanation is forthcoming,
but more usually the letter provides a reminder that the vision defect is
still important. In exceptional cases where the defect is very severe it
may be necessary to remind the parents that it is affecting educational
progress and that special educational treatment may be justified.
The Committee changed its policy concerning the repair of spectarcles
during the year. Regulations made under the National Health Service
Act allow the Local Executive Council to reclaim charges for the
repair of spectacles from the Local Education Authority, providing that
the Authority has already agreed to accept responsibility for such
charges. Previously it had been felt that such responsibility should
only be exercised in respect of the Authority's own Eye Clinics, but