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During the year 27 cases of Tinea Tonsurans (Head
Ringworm) out of 47 were treated by X-rays, and 136 cases of
Ringworm of the body, were treated at the Clinics.
A total of 237 cases of Scabies were also treated at the Clinics.
(e) EXTERNAL EYE DISEASES.
These comprise sore eyes, blepharitis, slight conjunctivitis,
styes, corneal ulcers, etc. Table IV (1) shows that 1,178 such
defects were treated at the Clinics, 30 being treated by private
endeavour.
(f) DEFECTIVE VISION.
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 is a report by Dr. Thomas on the work at
the Ophthalmic Clinic during the year—
This is an important defect and correcting errors of
refraction requires a sound knowledge of Ophthalmology. One
has to assure oneself that there is no disease in the eye before
deciding that correcting the error of refraction is all that is needed.
Each case has to be judged on its own merits, and considerable
experience, skill, patience and time are essential to deal with it
satisfactorily.
"Educational Myopia" appears to be on the increase and the
younger the child the more serious the myopia.
It is doubtful whether the ordinary school curriculum can
convert the Educational into the Pathological Myopia, and the
two types can only be distinguished by frequent examinations by
the School Oculist.
Experience shows that a considerable number of Myopes were
Emmetropes, or low Hypermetropes during early school life.
All children with defective vision, eye strain, and strabismus,
are referred to the Oculist by the School Medical Officer.
All cases of Myopia are re-examined frequently according
to the degree of Myopia.
The co-operation of the Head Teachers is of the greatest
possible value in referring early backwardness and disability, that
indicate defective sight, to the School Medical Officer; they also
see that the children with glasses wear them as ordered.
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