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82
(a) Myopia progressing at the rate of more than 1 dioptre
a year.
(b) Myopia with a visual acuity of 6/24 or worse after
correction.
"With these as a basis I found 6 cases at Ravenor Park and
3 at Mattock Lane who would qualify for special treatment. This
number is probably smaller than one would have expected from
previous reports, but in commenting on this fact I would point
out (a) that a great many cases of myopia increase at just under
1 dioptre per annum and so escape inclusion ; and (6) that the
great majority of myopes, even of fairly high degree, have a better
vision than 6/24 when corrected. Of these 9 cases mentioned
the majority had a much better vision than 6/24, but their myopia
appeared to be increasing by about 1 dioptre per year, and several
were advised to stay away from school for several months. After
this prolonged rest from eye strain it is probable that their myopia
will cease to progress as rapidly, and will no longer be included
in the list.
"My own personal opinion on the matter is that there is not
a sufficient number of highly myopic children in the Borough to
justify the provision of a special sight-saving class. As far as
one can judge, the great majority of these children get on quite
well at the ordinary school, but of course they should have every
possible advantage given to them, such as sitting near the blackboard
and with good light on their books, etc. The fault I find,
however, is not so much with their work at school, as the way they
spend their time at home, where every possible minute is taken
up with a book, often of poor print and read in a bad light. To
prevent this, the nature of the defect has to be fully explained
to the parents who must see that the child does a minimum amount
of close work."