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(f) DEFECTIVE VISION.
This is an important defect and its adequate correction calls
for skilled treatment.
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
in force whereby glasses are provided at a reduced rate, or free,
in cases of necessity.
The following figures set out the work of the Ophthalmic
Clinics for the year:—
Cases referred to Ophthalmic Surgeons 3568
Number attended 2974
Percentage attendance 83.3
Glasses ordered 2768
Number of Clinic Sessions 255
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 958 were treated at the
Clinics, and 48 treated privatelv. 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 (Mr. Stoker, F.R.C.S.).
(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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