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quantity may vary slightly even with the greatest care. The recall rate following an
unsatisfactory test has been considerably lessened, and this has also cut unnecessary
referrals for specialist opinion. The examination by this method is a comprehensive
one, allowing for testing of far and near vision, depth perception, muscle balance
and colour vision. Even so, the total time taken by an experienced operator is very
little more than that taken when the Snellen eye card is used. The children tested
appear to be enthusiastic over the test, and show very much more interest and
concentration.
The disadvantages are, firstly, that the age groups below the age of seven find more
difficulty in concentration and results here were not clear enough to permit the
routine usage of the apparatus and, secondly, that the apparatus weighs one stone
and is bulky, with the consequent necessity for the operator to have transport.
However, it is considered that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and
that for the first time accurate eye testing may be done in schools for the 7 + age group.
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Ear, nose and throat clinics are held at Ravenor Park and Mattock Lane by
Mr. R. M. Savege, F.R.C.S., D.L.O., who has observed that during the year the
present attitude to the operations of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a more
carefully selective one than the almost universal application of surgery as treatment
for most ear, nose and throat symptoms 30 years ago. The widespread use of
antibiotics, mainly in the oral form, by the general practitioner, has, in many cases,
obviated the need for recourse to surgery and tided the child over the period of
maximum sensitivity to infections, i.e., the first two years at school. Paediatricians
have tended to support the view that tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are rarely
necessary, and many are reluctant to refer cases, except in extreme circumstances.
Ear, nose and throat surgeons appear to think there is still a definite place for the
operation and that the injudicious use of antibiotics may lead to the masking of,
e.g., ear conditions and to irreversible hearing loss. Finally, there is still a definite
place for the operation of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, but candidates, in
most cases, are more carefully selected than in former times.
The statistical report again shows an increase in the number of cases in each
category, but the clinical pattern remains much the same as before. More cases of
slight deafness have been picked up by audiometric tests, but have been cleared up
quickly by medical treatment or removal of tonsils and adenoids.
New cases 173
Re-inspections 410
Total attendances 583
Medical treatment advised 296
Surgical treatment advised 114
Referred by school medical officer.
When arranged by the Authority
these are carried out at Richmond
Hospital.
Sessions are held alternate weeks at Ravenor Park and at Mattock Lane on
Thursday afternoons.
ORTHOPAEDIC
Orthopaedic sessions are held at three clinics within the Borough, namely, at
Mattock Lane, Ravenor Park and Northcote. The sessions held at Mattock Lane
and Ravenor Park are carried out by Mr. J. Cholmeley, F.R.C.S., the orthopaedic
consultant to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and to its branch at Stanmore.
The session held at Northcote Clinic is carried out by Mr. P. I. Busfield, F.R.C.S.,
who is consultant orthopaedic surgeon to Hillingdon Hospital.
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