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132
solved by their staff in a way which almost points to the defeat
of the theoretical by the practical.
The Sight-saving Class at Monega School is an extremely
satisfactory asset in the treatment of those children who show
evidence of progressive myopia or other eye condition in which the
strain of ordinary education would tend to increase the defect.
Mrs. Higginson has introduced many useful educational methods
and the organisation and conduct of the class, from the ophthalmic •
point of view, is very efficient. It is a great pity that the girls in
this class are unable to take their places in the ordinary school
for subjects which involve little or no eye strain. Apart from the
fact that the outlook of the children is considerably broadened,
this procedure gives them the feeling that they are not entirely cut
off from the ordinary school life and so minimises the consciousness
of their defect; the opportunity for individual education of the
children who remain in the special class is also enhanced.
The work in connection with the Infant Welfare Centre
demands special mention. The value of this Clinic in allowing
of the examination of children at an early age is very great. The
acuity of vision has been accurately estimated in children of three
years of age and, approximately, in one child of two years. The
parents have given us the greatest help in teaching their children,
at home, the simple method used in the test. Forty-six new cases
were seen during the year and 224 attendances were made. Thirtythree
cases of squint were dealt with and three cases of lacrymal
obstruction have been treated successfully by me at Guy's Hospital.
The increase and development of this branch of our work is
imperative to any complete scheme of preventive medicine.
In conclusion, Sir, please allow me to record my thanks for
the cordial co-operation of the Medical Staff, and draw attention
to the invaluable work done by the School Nurses and Health
Visitors who attend the Clinic and help so materially with the
treatment. These, together with the kindly efficiency of the
Optician and the Clerical Staff, have made possible the measure
of success attained.
1 have the honour to remain, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
S. C. REEVE-FLAXMAN.