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(f and g) Eye Disease and Vision:—There were very
few cases of external eye disease—chiefly minor conjunctivitis
and blepharitis. Three cases were admitted for treatment to
local hospitals under special arrangement with the Education
Authority (1 Detached Retina, 1 Dacryocystitis, 1 perforatoring
injury to the Cornea and Lens).
The defects of vision (Table IV., Group II.), comprised
224 cases treated for the first time. 148 were old cases reexamined,
either myopes under observation, or other cases
for re-testing for spectacles. 810 total attendances were made.
(h) Ear Disease and Hearing:—The majority of these
defects were slight. The number of cases of Otitis Media
("running ears") remains fairly constant each year. It
should be remembered that this condition is liable to recur.
Two cases of acute Mastoiditis were brought to the Clinic,
and both were admitted at once to hospital for immediate
operation on the recommendation of the School Medical
Officers.
(i) Dental Defects:—(Table IV., Group IV.). The
number of cases treated maintains a high standard. Attention
might be drawn to the large number of fillings (1,501),
indicating a high degree of conservancy treatment.
Report on Irregularity and Malocclusion of the Teeth and Jaws.
During the year 1926, particulars have been recorded
of the frequency of irregularity or crowding of the teeth
and malocclusion of the jaws in children coming under observation
during treatment.
These conditions are serious causative and predisposing
factors in the incidence and frequency of caries (decay) of
the teeth. The conditions were found in 10% of the cases
treated. 6% had teeth extracted at the Clinic with a view
to remedy of the irregularity. In addition, Dental Hospital
tickets were given to 8 cases, and other forty cases were
recommended to attend Private Dentists or Dental Hospitals
for supply of Regulation Appliances—4% of the cases treated.
(i) Crippling Defects and Orthopoedics:—The number
of such cases requiring active treatment is comparatively
small. A few cases of slight Scoliosis, Flat Feet, and Paralysis
attend the Orthopoedic Centre at the Nelson Hospital for
massage and exercises, but none required surgical interference
(see also Physically Defective Children).
Infectious Diseases:—The following numbers of scholars
were notified during the year as absent from school, suffering
from, or in contact with non-notifiable infectious diseases.
59