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48
RE-INSPECTIONS
In addition to selective, routine and non-routine medical examinations,
3, 825 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.
TREATMENT FACILITIES

Vision testing is provided at eye clinics at four centres in the
borough. 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 1,025 pairs of spectacles were ordered.
All children have their vision tested on entering school at 5 years
- or earlier if they attend a nursery class.
When any defect is found the children are seen by eye specialists
at one of the four centres in the borough, or at the eye department of
local hospitals.
Special attention is given to verifying that a child's hearing is
satisfactory. One school nurse spends 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 5,116 children who were given a sweep test, 202 required
a further test and 110 were referred to the consultant ear, nose and
throat surgeon who conducts a weekly clinic at the Centre.
The three special investigation clinics continue to provide a
service for children suffering from obesity, enuresis and early emotional
problems.
Some children may be seen at a Special Investigation Clinic prior to
being referred to ‘child guidance' and in these cases the social worker
will provide support for the families, and also provide a social report on
the family. School health social workers maintain very close liaison
with the area teams of the Education Welfare Service.