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15
The number of cases examined is more than double the number
in 1923. This is doubtless largely due to the lower and more
definite scale of charges in force since 1924, but is also in part
accounted for by the systematic re-examination of cases which is
carried out. Every child who has had glasses prescribed, is notified
annually that re-examination is necessary. Only a small percentage
respond, but it adds to the numbers to be seen.
It has been necessary to supplement the weekly Clinic from
time to time in order to keep pace with the work.
291 cases of Visual Defect were submitted for Refraction at
the School Eye Clinic, whilst 7 children were treated privately
or at hospitals. In 247 cases spectacles were prescribed and provided
by the Education Authority, and 4 children obtained
spectacles privately.
Dental Defects.
1,119 children were treated by the School Dentist under the
Local Education Authority's Scheme and 608 re-treated. Further
63 attended the Dental Clinic and were referred elsewhere for
treatment, e.g., hospital and 47 attended the Clinic but refused
treatment.
It will be seen that 63 cases of dental defects were referred
to Dental Hospital for treatment. These are almost all cases
requiring orthodontic treatment. The percentage of these cases
that get treated is very small, for which there are two chief
reasons.
1. It is difficult in the present dentally ignorant
state of the population to make many parents understand
that there is need for such treatment. Even the gravely
disfiguring deformity of a bad superior protrusion is often
ignored, if the parent suffered from a similar condition, the
argument being that what was good enough for the parent is
good enough for the child.
2. Expense. Orthodontic work requires frequent visits
for adjustments and supervision. The Chief Medical Officer
of the Board recommends that this work should be done at a
Dental Hospital. Except in rare cases in this district, this is
out of the question, the rare cases being almost all the children
of men working on the railways, who get special passes.
What does a days' journey to a London Hospital mean ?