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81
"Grave concern continues to be experienced about the delay
in the supply of spectacles for the children. One can only continue
to hope that things will improve soon. At the moment it
is a very real 'weak link' and a cause of much worry and anxiety
both to the parents and to myself, especially in cases of Squint
and Myopia.
"I have been able to treat many cases of Squint by operation
and with the help of Orthoptics. This work is of importance, in
that the cure of Squint at an early age has a very good psychological
effect on those who suffer from the defect.
"Other than for the delay in the dispensing of spectacles,
the Clinic has run smoothly and satisfactorily despite an increase
in the amount of clerical work entailed, owing to the everincreasing
number of forms to be filled in for each patient. I
have been accorded wonderful co-operation and help over this
from the Clerical Staff. For this I am sincerely grateful, and
I should like to record my appreciation of their excellent work."
ORTHOPTIC CLINIC.
(See Table VI.)
1,123 treatments have been given at this Clinic during 1949.
There is no longer a waiting list for new cases, but some
patients who have had a considerable number of treatments have
been postponed for a few months, where no ill effects are likely
to result.
The new Synoptophore has now arrived and will be a great
asset. Owing to the increasing number of paralytic squints now
being sent through for investigation, a Hess screen would be
very useful for accurate diagnostic purposes.
The delay in obtaining glasses for priority cases has not
only hindered treatment, but in some cases has actually made
any improvement in their condition impossible.
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CLINIC.
(See Table III, Group III.)
During the year 115 children received operative treatment
at Farnborough Hospital for tonsil and adenoids, which is practically
double the number (60) receiving treatment in 1948. This
number would have been greater had it not been for the fact
that in the latter part of the year these operations were suspended
due to the prevalence of Poliomyelitis.
At 31st December, 1949, there were 161 children awaiting
operative treatment.
No child was found to require treatment for serious diseases
of the ear during 1949.