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OPHTHALMOLOGY
Since the formation of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, we have
had a courtesy arrangement with the London Borough of Hounslow whereby certain
children from this Borough requiring orthoptic treatment were referred to Hanworth
Clinic. Other children had to be seen at hospital. It was always understood, of course,
that this was to be a temporary arrangement until we could obtain the services of an
orthoptist and set up our own orthoptic clinic. In April, we were fortunate to secure
the services of Mrs. Cynthia Mary Butterworth, state registered orthoptist, for one
session per week and clinics at Stanley Road, Teddington and Windham Road,
Richmond, were started in May. Referrals to these clinics are made by Dr. Casey,
ophthalmologist to the Borough's eye clinics, and the orthoptic sessions have proved a
most useful addition to the local authority's ophthalmic service.
Dr. Helena Bridget Casey, M.B., B.Ch., D.O.M.S., ophthalmologist, reports on
the work of the ophthalmic clinics:—
The ophthalmic clinics have been running satisfactorily as evidenced by the
numbers attending, including school and pre-school children. The increase in preschool
children is marked, due to the well-informed medical officer's examination of this
group.
Visual examination in the school-going children, with the diagnosis of astigmatism,
myopia, and high hypermetropia is well established. Parents co-operate readily here,
as they appreciate that the correction of such defects enables the child to function better
with his or her education, and to make general progress.
In the field of the pre-school child, a wider education is being made available to
parents, to make them aware of the necessity of the early treatment of squint, both in
preventive measures, and in the treatment of diagnosed strabismus. I should think that
this part of the service is notable in the year's work.
Mrs. Butterworth's contribution has been of great help. Unfortunately, she was
not able to start ab initio, as she had to take over a back log from Hanworth, so that
there is a long waiting list for orthoptic investigation. Our local hospital also refer
cases back, which I have sent for surgery, realising we have the services of an orthoptist.
I also note that the numbers from Clarendon School have been increasing at
Stanley Road Clinic, as are also the numbers from St. Hilda's at Mortlake Clinic. Some
of these children have myopic and high hypermetropic refractive errors, and they
certainly benefit by their correction.
The rapport between the local hospitals and the clinic is excellent.
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