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"An Orthoptic clinic was started during the year, and the work
to date has been very satisfactory. A full statement will be found
later in the report.
"Of the 403 children I examined during the year 1938, I found
60 per cent. of the 11 plus group suffering from Myopic defects.
These defects had not appeared when these children were examined
in the 7-11 group, which examination usually takes place about
the child's eighth birthday. It is my opinion that these defects
were present but were latent and only showed when the children
were subjected to the more strenuous work of the Junior School.
Since there is usually no routine medical examination between the
ages of 8 and 12, the children suffering from these defects are,
therefore, not discovered. I would suggest a special examination
for visual acuity only to be given during these years.
"This opinion appears to be supported by observation regarding
visual defects in the 'Health of the School Child' for 1937.
"Five children were admitted to the Blind and Myope School
during the year—3 boys and 2 girls."
Orthoptic Clinic.—The following report on the work of this
clinic has been given by Miss G. H. Montague Smith, the Orthoptist:
"The clinic was opened on Friday, August 26th, and has since
been held for two-hour sessions twice weekly. The first few weeks
were occupied in testing all cases seen specially for orthoptic
training, and the figures given below show how they have been
classified. When the patient first attends the clinic, any existing
amblyopia must first be corrected, and when vision is equal
exercises may commence on the special instruments devised for
curing the defect.