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45
(c) School for the Partially Sighted.—Mr. G. M. Williams,
Headmaster of the Joseph J. Clarke School, reports as follows :—
"The school has now a roll of forty-five with the further
extension of the catchment area to include Hutton.
"As in previous years the ophthalmic supervision of the school
has been well maintained. Dr. I. Gregory, M.B., D.O.M.S., made
visits in May and October for the purpose of examination and has
given much helpful advice. The medical staff of the Eye Clinic have
made regular ophthalmic examinations and Mrs. Suckling has
given ready and efficient service in the supply and repair of
spectacles. The willing help of all at the Eye Clinic has been much
appreciated.
"At the end of the year the visual acuity (Snellen) after correction
was as follows :—
3 children had acuity less than 6/60
7 „ „ „ of 6/60
12 „ „ „ of 6/36
14 „ ,. „ of 6/24
9 „ „ „ of 6/18
There were seventeen children with monocular vision, and three
children with additional handicaps.
"In June there was a full medical inspection of all children in
the school, and Mr. Taylor from the school dental clinic visited the
school for dental inspection.
"The hearing of all new admissions and certain selected cases
were tested on the pure tone audiometer by Mrs. Leach of the
School Nursing Service.
"Visitors during the year included medical officers from
Jugoslavia, the Phillipines, Hong Kong, post graduate medical
students, student health visitors, district nurses and training college
students.
"During the Whitsuntide holiday a party of twelve children
under the care of Mr. Crosbie spent a week at the Isle of Wight in
company with the Woodside School Camp party. This proved to be
a most instructive and worthwhile venture.
"At the end of the summer term Miss Ramage, deputy Head
Teacher, retired from teaching, having given many years of valuable
service to the school. She was the sole remaining link between the
former Walthamstow Blind School and the present partially sighted
school. The vacancy thus caused was filled by the appointment of
Miss R. Baggs to the staff.
"The average number on roll during the year was forty-three,
with an average attendance of 34.2. Seven children were admitted,
and three children were taken off roll, one boy being transferred to
a school for the Blind, one boy leaving to be trained for industry as
a Blind Person, and one girl suitably placed in light factory work.