London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Dagenham 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]
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Treatment of Pupils
Eye Diseases, Defective Vision and Squint
| Category | No. of cases dealt with by | |
|---|---|---|
| Minor ailment clinics | Ophthalmic clinic | |
| External and other (excluding errors of refraction and squint) | 145 | 478 |
| Errors of refraction (including squint) | - | 1,367 |
| Number of pupils for whom spectacles were prescribed | - | 442 |
Br. P. Lancer, Consultant Ophthalmologist, reports as follows
"The work of the clinic is essentially refraction and the early detection,
investigation and treatment of squints. The fact that I am on the staff of
the Regional Eye Centre has helped in the treatment of squints, and here I
would like to thank the orthoptists for their co-operation.
The presence of a dispensing optician has proved of benefit. I would
urge the official appointment of a permanent post.
Becontree Avenue being the only eye clinic in Dagenham is a disadvantage.
I would suggest another session at one of the outlying clinics. This may
reduce the rate of non-attendance.
I would also make a plea for the early referral of any visual defect by
school doctors and nurses.
Finally I would like to thank the clinic nurses for their help and
co-operation."
Diseases and Defects of Ear, Nose and Throat
| No. of cases treated | ||
|---|---|---|
| By the authority | Otherwise | |
| Received operative treatments | ||
| - | 9 | |
| (b) for adenoids and chronic tonsillitis | - | 23 |
| (c) for other nose and throat conditions | - | 66 |
| Received other forms of treatment | 144 | 66 |
| Total | 144 | 164 |
Total number of pupils in schools who are known to have been provided with
hearing aids:-
(a) in 1963 4
(b) in previous years 9
51