asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he intends to establish an ophthalmic school for children suffering from trachoma, blepharitis and other chronic eye diseases which require prolonged treatment under competent supervision, inasmuch as these diseases untreated are a common cause of ultimate blindness, which by proper treatment is preventable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmic School for Children.
The incidence of trachoma amongst school children has been investigated by the county and county borough medical officers of health. An analysis of their reports for the year 1938 shows that cases are very rare throughout the counties. The following extracts from reports are illustrative of the evidence received in the Department:—
"No evidence available.""Only one known case in county" (Carlow). "No evidence of trachoma exists amongst school-going children" (County Cork). "There is no evidence that trachoma is increasing in this county, and it is probably decreasing" (County Kerry). "I beg to report that trachoma is decreasing in this county" (County Kilkenny). "No case detected since the school medical service scheme was initiated" (County Louth). "I do not so far notice any increase of trachoma..." (County Monaghan). "It would appear that trachoma is in the main a disease dying out in this county" (Tipperary S.R.). "Only two cases have come under notice of the county oculist for several years" (County Westmeath).
The provision of ophthalmic schools for trachomatous children is not regarded as practical, but in any event the evidence as to the extent of the disease does not seem to justify such provision. The provision of a special boarding school for trachomatous children would be justified if the number of cases requiring treatment was large and there was any assurance that children could be induced to enter such schools. The information before the Department is that it would be difficult to make them remain in an institution of this kind. In Dublin where the bulk of the cases exists efforts have been made to insure that they attend for institutional treatment. They are also visited by nurses in their homes.