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tuberculin to patients whose condition indicates this special method of
treatment. The results have been equal to expectations.
(f) Vision.
Children whose vision is found to be 6/12 or less in either, or both
eyes, are examined by Mr. Letchworth with a view to suitable spectacles
being provided.
The eye clinic occupies the whole of Tuesday in each school week,
and an average of 25 is seen at each of the two sessions, morning and
afternoon. The eyes are examined under the influence of a mydriatic,
and the error of refraction, if any, estimated. The optician, with whom
the Committee has entered into an arrangement for the supply of spectacles
at special rates, measures for the frames, and the completed spectacles
are available for use, as a rule, the following week. Mr. Letchworth
satisfies himself that they are in all respects suitable, after the effect of the
mydriatic has passed. The optician attends at the clinic on Tuesdays,
so that the least possible inconvenience is caused to children and parents.
(g) Ear Disease and Hearing.
Wax in the ear, boils in the ear, eczema or impetigo of the ear
or ear passages are treated by the Assistant School Medical Officers at
the Minor Ailments Clinics.
Dr. Friel attends Bruce Castle on Friday forenoons to treat cases
of otorrhoea. The results of this treatment are given below. It consists
mainly in the ionisation with zinc sulphate solution and incidental
treatment with boric powder and other local applications. In longstanding
cases of otorrhoea, with chronic mastoiditis, surgical intervention
is called for if it is hoped to obtain freedom of discharge from
the ears. The Committee has arrangements with the North Middlesex
Hospital and the Prince of Wales's Hospital for the reception into their
institutions, for operative purposes, of such cases as give promise of
successful results. The arrangement has not continued long enough to
make any valuable criticism upon it.