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The total is slightly lower than in 1967 but it is worth noting that Head
Teachers brought many more children forward for special examination or for
"statutory" examination (i.e. for possible special schooling) than last year.
The category "theatrical children" means children who have been selected
by Theatre Managements to appear on stage, usually as part of a chorus.
RE-INSPECTIONS
In addition to selective, routine and non-routine medical examinations,
4,740 children were seen again by the school doctor 3 to 12 months later in
order to check on some defect noted on a previous occasion.
VISION TESTING
The Sheridan-Gardiner method of testing the eyesight of very young children
continued to be used successfully in the Infant Schools and Nursery classes.
Several Medical Officers have recommended the annual testing of children
between the ages of 7 and 11 as this is the time when shortsightedness (myopia)
is likely to develop. The only bar to initiating this service has been the
relative shortage of school nurses.
DEFECTIVE HEARING
Special attention is given to verifying that a child's hearing is
satisfactory. One school nurse devotes most of her time touring the schools
testing hearing using an audiometer.
Those children who fail the first test - a sweep test - are given a more
detailed hearing test at John Scott Health Centre. During the year, out of
3,975 children who were given a sweep test, 186 required a further test and 67
were referred to the consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon who conducts a
weekly clinic at the Centre.
Children at the special unit for partially hearing children, which is an
integral part of one of the primary schools, continue to be seen every six months
by a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon who is accompanied by a social worker.
TREATMENT FACILITIES

Vision testing is provided at eye clinics at four centres in the Borough.
Appointment lists are heavy and every effort is made to provide appointments
as quickly as possible. Orthoptists are available at two centres and they
play an important role in providing an efficient remedial service.
The majority of cases seen were found to have errors of refraction and/or
squint, and 1,171 pairs of spectacles were ordered.
The three special investigation clinics continue to provide a service
for children suffering from obesity, enuresis and early emotional problems.
Although dietary advice is given, full attention is paid to discussion of
emotional problems and management. These clinics provide a vital preventive
function with the doctor and social worker operating as a team in the clinic
and the social worker being the clinic arm reaching out to the families whenever
this is necessary. Close liaison is maintained with the child guidance