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153
It will be noted that 178 cases have been discharged from
attendance at the Clinic, their progress having been entirely
satisfactory and the need for supervision and re-examination
eliminated.
Sixty-nine children have attended the Clinic for the treatment
of eye conditions, other than visual defect (conjunctivitis,
blepharitis, keratitis, foreign bodies, cysts of the eyelids, injuries,
etc.), and two cases of squint have been operated upon successfully,
under the Authority's arrangement with the Royal Westminster
Ophthalmic Hospital. Many of the cases of conjunctivitis
and blepharitis are almost entirely preventable by improving
the conditions of life, and attending to the health and hygiene
of the teeth, tonsils and hair: the present reduction in the number
of children suffering from these external eye conditions has
resulted from the general improvement in environment, diet,
cleanliness and sanitation, but the friendly co-operation of parents
is essential if we are to completely eradicate these diseases—which
appear so innocent at their commencement—and prevent serious
impairment of vision and disfigurement.
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 tends to increase the defect. Many
useful educational methods have been introduced and the conduct
of the class, from the ophthalmic point of view, is very efficient.
It is a 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 as, apart from the fact that the outlook of the children is
considerably broadened, this procedure would give them the feeling
that they are not entirely cut off from the ordinary school life
and thus minimise the consciousness of their defect; the opportunity
for individual education of the children who remain in the
special class would also be enhanced.
The School Medical Service and optical and clerical staff
have given extremely kind and efficient help.