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40
REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE REFRACTION CLINIC,
The number of cases submitted to refraction this year has
increased by 30 over the previous year, the figure being 433. Two
sessions weekly have been held during the school terms, but these
have scarcely sufficed to keep the work up-to-date, and 1930 ended
with a waiting list of 79.
1578 appointments were given during the year, and 1471
attendances were made, giving a percentage of 93.
Spectacles were prescribed for 405 children, and were obtained
in 97% of the cases before the end of the year.
All children for whom spectacles are prescribed are seen again
at the Clinics so that the lenses can be checked and frames seen to
be accurately fitted.
It has been our constant aim, not only to provide the necessary
spectacles in the first instance, but also to see that they are kept in
good repair, and changed when necessary. To this end a fixed
scale of charges for repairs is issued with every pair of spectades
prescribed. Spectacles in need of repair or adjustment can be
brought to the Health Department any day during office hours.
Furthermore, no repairs are advised for spectacles which have
been worn for more than 9 months without first referring the case
to me, as in all probability a change of lenses or frames, or both,
will be necessary.
Parents are informed that the children require to be seen every
twelve months in order that any necessary changes in the spectacles
can be made, and children are called for re-examination at the
expiration of this period. Special cases, such as myopes, etc,,
are called more often.
The Medical Officer or the Eye Clinic nurse can always be
consulted on Saturday mornings (without appointment) and
parents are encouraged to come at once and report if the child
makes any complaint about its glasses. Often, there is nothing
wrong with the spectacles and the child has made the complaint
in order to avoid wearing them, but once this is demonstrated to
a sensible mother she will then insist on the regular use of the
spectacles. On the other hand, the complaint may be justified.
A striking case occurred a short time ago: A mother reported that
her child was getting frequent headaches and she wondered if the
glasses needed changing. On investigation I found that the child