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followed, in indicated cases, by orthoptic treatment. If squint still persists operation
might be indicated.
There is very good co-operation with the orthoptic department and also with the
various hospitals. Unfortunately, there are some parents who will not co-operate for
various reasons, either that they do not care, or that they cannot spend the time or find
the money for the fares in order to attend the orthoptic clinic which is a fair distance
away. In the past mention has frequently been made of the lack of a dispensing optician
in the service and both ophthalmologists regret this as it would mean that children could
be measured for frames at the first visit and small repairs could be carried out without
delay.
In many instances considerable time elapses before the parents will go to the optician
and necessary repairs are frequently not carried out at all or are left too long. It is
suggested that spare pairs of glasses could be given free of charge in cases indicated by
the ophthalmologist. High myopes are lost without glasses, and serious setbacks occur
in cases of squints if glasses are left off for any lentgh of time. In view of the lengthening
waiting list for both new appointments and re-inspections, a request for a further weekly
ophthalmology session will be made to the County Health Committee and the Regional
Hospital Board.
ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
This clinic is held at Leys Clinic, Ballards Road. A surgeon and physiotherapist
are provided by the Regional Hospital Board, nursing staff and clerical assistance by the
County Health Authority. The surgeon attends on every second Thursday in each
month and the physiotherapist attends all day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday.
I give below a short report received from Mrs. F. Cocker, the physiotherapist:—
1957 has proved another busy year, 309 patients were treated for orthopaedic and
postural defects, and 119 patients received general ultra violet light therapy. In all, the
total number of treatments given was 5,941. The orthopaedic surgeon was in attendance
for 11 sessions at which 156 patients were seen, 41 being new patients ; 10 children
were referred to hospital for surgical treatment.
Again the majority of cases have been minor lower limb deformities, most of the
patients attending for general ultra violet light treatment are cases of debility. I do feel
that with the addition of new apparatus we are to receive in the near future, i.e., short
wave machine, wax bath and radiant heat tunnel baths, many of the patients attending
hospital for treatment could attend this department and much time lost from school
could be avoided.
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