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on this question, since a Committee of experts is at present discussing
the matter, with a view to revising modes of treatment, but a statement
on the local position seems desirable.
"Until recently it was the general opinion that the morbid
process in myopia was accelerated by reading and writing and other
occupations involving much use of eyesight. As a result, treatment
of myopic children was directed to relieving all strain on the eyes.
It prohibited the use of books and pens and paper and allowed
oral teaching only, this being carried out in special classe?.
"Now, however, the opinion is gaining ground that the progress
of myopia is determined by hereditary and constitutional factors
and th?t eye-strair plays only a very small part in its advance.
Those who hold this view believe that the condition will grow
steadily worse, in spite of all treatment, up to a definite point,
when it will remain stationary. Consequently they advocate that
the myopic child shall continue to attend an ordinary school.
"In view of the present uncertainty it has been decided to
hold in abeyance the projected " myope class " for Ealing children.
This, however, does not in any way settle the problem of how we
shall deal with the myopic child until general opinions are more
or less agreed. In formulating a scheme for use in the meantime,
we have endeavoured to compromise between the two views and
to bear in mind the following points which seem to be of importance.
1. The myopic child, if his sight be even slightly defective,
will not be able to keep pace with schoolfellows of his own age in
their general school work unless some allowances are made for his
handicap.
"2. Since a myopic child is almost certain to grow worse,
he will be compelled in the end to curtail the extent to which he
uses his eyes and will probably be unable to take up a clerical
career or any other work which involves eye-strain. Even if he
does, he will need to conserve his sight for his work and will be
unable to rely on books and writing to fill his leisure time.