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
Leyton 1936
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]
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The following list shows the ophthalmic defects found in these 33 children:—
| Myopia with sqint | 1 |
| Hypermetropia | 1 |
| Hypermetropia with squint ... | 9 |
| Squint only | 13 |
| Various diseases | 5 |
| Hyper astigmatism | 4 |
| 33 | |
| The following forms of treatment were recommended:— | |
| Spectacles supplied | 15 |
| Spectacles not prescribed | 4 |
| Squint treated with atropin | 8 |
| Squint referred to Orthoptic Clinic | 5 |
| Recommended ultra violet light | 1 |
| Artificial Sunlight Treatment. | |
| Number of cases treated—Infants | 63 |
| Number of cases treated—Adults | 2 |
| Total number of attendances | 1,614 |
Clinics for Toddlers.
In September, 1935, a special weekly morning clinic for the
health supervision and special medical examination of toddlers
(i.e., children between two and five years of age) was instituted at
each of the Council's infant welfare centres.
The following report by Dr. Hilda Menzies gives some indication
of the work which is undertaken in connection with the scheme.
(Report by Dr. Menzies).
At the commencement appointments were sent by post, but
the response was poor, and this method of securing attendance was
discontinued. It was found, however, that less formal measures
worked better. Health visitors advised mothers of the existence
of the clinics and in certain cases recommended attendance at the
session following their visits. Mothers who had been taking
several children to the infant clinics were advised to bring the older
child or children to the Toddlers' Clinic for examination. Children