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specialist opinion. Colour vision is tested at the second or third
periodic inspection and if an abnormality is found the child or
parent is advised of the possible effects on future occupation.
Hearing
A programme of routine screening of each child's hearing by
school nurses was developed during the year, following the provision
of sufficient lightweight transistorised audiometry machines.
Children failing the screening tests are referred to a school doctor
who arranges any treatment considered necessary or refers the child
for a specialist opinion.
Hygiene
Hygiene inspections, including a check on general cleanliness,
examination for the presence of head lice and inspection of feet
for plantar warts are carried out at intervals by school nurses.
Almost 14,000 children were inspected during 1965. 182 cases of
infestation with head lice were discovered, almost all of which were
mild infestations quickly responding to treatment.
TREATMENT SERVICES
Treatment and specialist advice is available at the Council's
health service clinics. A table of the services provided at each
clinic is shown on page 43. Children are referred by the school
doctor except in the case of dental treatment which is available on
direct application by parents. (See page 14.)
Minor Ailment Clinics
Cases treated at these clinics during the year included 757
children with skin disease, 138 with eye disease, 92 with ear, nose
or throat conditions and 399 with miscellaneous minor ailments.
The number of school children requiring treatment for plantar
warts (verrucas) usually increases considerably in the autumn term,
and this year proved no exception. Facilities for the treatment of
nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting) are available at each of the Council's
clinics and waiting lists were reduced during the year by the
provision of a further 50 enuresis alarms.
The demand for treatment of minor ailments at school clinics
has diminished in recent years and these sessions are devoted more
to special examinations and consultations with the medical officer.
Ophthalmic and Orthoptic Clinics
These sessions are attended by arrangements with the Regional
Hospital Board by visiting ophthalmic specialists and orthoptists.
The ophthalmic specialists advise on treatment, issue prescriptions
for spectacles or refer children to the orthoptists who provide nonsurgical
treatment for squint and muscle imbalance of the eyes.
During 1965 a total of 2,126 children were treated for eye conditions
and 1,260 of these were given prescriptions for spectacles.
139 children received orthoptic treatment .
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