Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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(f) DEFECTIVE VISION.
This is an important defect and its adequate correction calls
for skilled treatment. The Authority have arrangements with (1)
Dr. G. A. Troup (2) Mr. E. C. Arnold, F.R.C.S. to undertake
this work.
Cases of Defective vision are discovered at Medical Inspection,
by teachers, by parents, and at the Clinics. In the first place
they are all examined by one of the Medical Staff and then referred
for refraction. All cases are re-inspected within three
months to see if the glasses are suitable. There is a scheme
whereby glasses are provided at a reduced rate, or free, in cases
of necessity.
The following figures set out the work of the Ophthalmic Surgeons for the year:—
Cases referred to Ophthalmic Surgeons | 3433 |
Number attended | 2901 |
Percentage attendance | 84.5 |
Glasses ordered | 2795 |
Number of Clinic Days | 179 |
Table IV, Group II, gives the figures for the Elementary
Schools.
(g) EAR DISEASE AND DEAFNESS.
These diseases are usually treated at the Clinics as minor
ailments. Parents will not as a rule take their children to have
the ears syringed for wax, and running ears involve long and expensive
treatment for poor parents.
Minor ear defects to the number of 844 were treated at the
Clinics, and 64 treated privately. See Table IV, Group I.
The educational treatment of deaf children is provided for at
the two Deaf Centres—Water Lane and Frederick Road, with
places for 40 and 44 deaf mutes respectively. Arrangements have
been made for the pupils at these Centres to be examined
annually by an expert Aural Surgeon.
(h) DENTAL DEFECTS,
Dental defects found at Medical Inspection, such as caries and
septic gums, are referred to the School Dentists as special cases, if
falling within the scope of the Authority's dental scheme, otherwise,
with a few exceptional cases, they are referred for Hospital
or private treatment.
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