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APPENDIX I.
Report of Ophthalmic Surgeon.
The selection of cases for Ophthalmic examination is made
partly on the results of the preliminary test of vision at the
schools and partly from special cases complaining of difficulty
with distant vision or persistent headache, etc., and referred by
the teachers to the Inspection Clinic.
Children with eye symptoms or visual defects are requested
to attend the Inspection Clinic held on Friday forenoons. A
further examination is made under more perfect conditions of
light. Where there is found a defect sufficient to suggest the
necessity for glasses, atropine ointment is put into the eyes and
a small box of ointment, with simple instructions as to its application,
is given to the parent, who is told to bring the child again
on the Monday following.
On Mondays the new cases are seen. Towards the end of
the session the Optician attends and takes measurements of the
children requiring glasses and also distributes glasses ordered to
those children who were seen the previous week.
By this means the Surgeon is enabled to make a final inspection
and the suitability of such spectacles is ensured. Further,
the dual attendance of the Surgeon and Optician is a distinct
advantage in cases where questions arise as to special points in
spectacles.
Provision of Spectacles.
At the present time the spectacles cost 3s. 6d. or 2s. per
pair according to the lenses. For these prices a good solid nickel
or nickel steel frame and best quality lenses are provided.
The question is now under consideration as to whether a flat
rate of 2s. 6d. should be charged for every pair. In necessitous
cases the spectacles are paid for out of a fund supported by voluntary
contributions and controlled by the School Medical Officer.
The shades used in the treatment of squint cases are supplied
at cost price by the Optician.