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"The Board note with satisfaction the high level of
efficiency reached in the working of the Authority's arrangements
for the School Medical Service, particularly in regard
to routine medical inspection, the school nursing services and
the treatment of the various types of defect covered by the
scheme."
The difficulty of providing satisfactory treatment for delicate,
malnourished, debilitated and physically defective children, who,
in many cases, require a change of air and the regulation and
routine of a healthy life, has been overcome largely as the result
of the keen activity of the local branch of the Invalid Children's
Aid Association. Thirty children have been sent to Schools of
Recovery, through this Association, by arrangement with the Local
Authority. In addition, the very courteous co.operation of the
Association with the Authority's Medical Officers has secured
open.air and convalescent treatment for 106 children of school age,
for whom the Association has undertaken full financial responsibility.
Probably the most important problem in connection with the
health of the school child is the ever.growing necessity for complete
medical supervision and treatment of the pre.school child.
It is a matter for serious thought that a very large number of
" entrants," seen at routine medical inspection, are found to be
suffering from old.standing defects, and that the parents of these
children have failed to avail themselves of the opportunities
afforded for medical examination, advice and treatment at the
Child Welfare Centres. (See 2. Co.ordination.)
With this report I have great pleasure in presenting, as a
supplement, the statistics and conclusions of Mr. C. L. Gimblett,
the Ophthalmic Surgeon to the Education Committee, in regard to
his special investigation upon the incidence of Myopia in scholars
attending the elementary and secondary schools ; this report should
prove of the greatest interest and value to those connected with
public, social and professional life, not only in East Ham but
throughout the country generally. Unfortunately Mr. Gimblett
resigned his appointment in April last, after seven years' service,
and the Local Education Authority has lost an extremely efficient
and conscientious School Oculist; both parents and children will
regret his departure but will remember him with feelings of