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44
Mr. R. H. Rushton reports as follows:—
Acting in place of my colleague, Major Eric Lyle,
I have continued, since the outbreak of war, to hold the
Eye Clinics as usual on Wednesday mornings and alternate
Friday afternoons.
During the past year 344 children were dealt with
for errors of refraction and 190 were treated for other
defects or diseases of the eyes. As compared with prewar
years this shows a proportional increase in the number
of eye diseases treated, none of which, however, has
been at all serious. Most of the latter cases are treated
at the Bromley North Clinic whilst the more severe are
admitted for in-patient treatment under my care at the
Bromley Hospital. All necessary operations are also
carried out at the hospital.
Many of the eye troubles seen are indirectly attributable
to the war. One case of early keratomalacia
occurred. This was due to Vitamin A deficiency and
responded immediately to treatment with Cod Liver Oil.
Other children complained of symptoms of eye straiu
with no demonstrable defect in the eyes and a few mild
cases of hysterical blindness were seen. Shelter life in
the blitz period two years ago was, I am afraid, harmful
to many of the short-sighted children owing to reading
in a bad light and in a cramped position.
The incidence of squint is still rather high in Bromley,
as elsewhere. Most cases develop between three and
four years of age. Early treatment is essential, therefore
it is very satisfactory being able to see these cases
at the Clinic under the treatment scheme for children
under five years. The treatment of squint is particularly
satisfactory in Bromley owing to our having the
< 'rthoptic Department, which is very ably conducted Iby
Miss Binstead.
In conclusion I should like to thank the permanent
and voluntary staffs of the Clinic for their efficient work
and I am also very grateful to all at the hospital for their
co-operation.
(Sgd.) R. H. RUSHTON, m.r.c.s., t..r.c.f.
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.
Specialist Consultative Service and operative treatment
for tonsils and adenoids at the School Clinic is