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IV. Co-operation of parents.
This is a vital factor in treatment of visual defects in children. It is useless to provide
spectacles unless they are worn as directed, and, without the insistence of the parents, few children
would wear them, either from dislike or forgetfulness. It is a regrettable fact that many
parents will attend with the child for treatment and incur the expense of the spectacles, and yet
will not take the trouble to see that the spectacles are worn regularly.
I feel that the only way to promote this co-operation is to explain to each parent in simple
language what is wrong with the child's sight, and what the lenses do to correct the error; also the
importance of periodic re-examination owing to the changes in the eye of the growing child,
and the necessity for frames which fit and are in proper shape.
An intelligent mother will readily understand these points, and once she grasps the fact
that she is the most important factor in the child's treatment she will nearly always respond by
the fullest co-operation in order to obtain the maximum benefit. Naturally, however, such
explanation takes time and patience and reduces the numbers which can be seen, but I am convinced
that it is the only way to obtain satisfactory results and the response of the parents is
most encouraging. Fortunately, in this Borough, we have never taken mere numbers as an
indication of the value of the work done.
V. A flat rate charge for spectacles and repairs.
In 1924 we instituted a flat rate charge of 4/0d. for spectacles and definite charges for
repairs. Previously charges varied according to the lenses prescribed, prices ranging from
8/- to 13/- a pair.
The result was an immediate increase in the number of children to be treated as parents
knew exactly what the spectacles would cost, and were not called upon to commit themselves to
pay an unknown sum. Definite charges for repairs were also circulated to the parents.
In 1925 the number attending for refraction was more than double that of 1923 and a
large part of that increase must be considered due to the flat rate changes.
Another important aspect of a flat rate charge is that it prevents children with more serious
defects who need frequent attention from being penalised by the higher cost of their spectacles.
In 1928 we provided an improved nickel frame and two other types of frame in addition
to the nickel, the contract price for the different spectacles being :—
Nickel, 4/6d.
Rolled Gold, 8/-.
Rolled Gold with Shellite rims, 9/6d.
and these prices are still in force.
Nickel frames are the routine ones ordered, but on request a parent may obtain the more
expensive type. The more expensive frame was supplied because so many of the older children,
beginning to be conscious of their appearance, jibbed at wearing the nickel frame. This is not
mere pandering to vanity, but is based on the fact that a child is more likely to wear spectacles
which he likes than those he dislikes, and undoubtedly there has been less trouble with senior
children wearing spectacles since the better frames have been supplied. Also the fact that there
is now a choice of types of frame tends to make both parent and child feel more satisfied
—even though, for financial reasons, the cheaper kind is bought—it is then their choice, not that
of the Clinic, a psychological factor of some importance. The difference in price is due to the
increased cost in the frames, the lenses remaining the same grade throughout, which, though not
of the highest quality, are satisfactory in use.
Payment for spectacles is made in full where the parents are able to afford it but
necessitous cases can obtain them free or at a reduced cost according to the family income. This
applies also to payment for repairs.
The method of payment for spectacles has varied since 1923.
When I took over the work during 1924 the system in force was that all spectacles were
sent by the Optician to the Education Department. Parents called there and paid for the
spectacles and then brought the child with the spectacles to the Eye Clinic for a final examination.
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