The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Treatment of squint. Picture shows a child sitting at the synoptoscope – an instrument for restoring binocular vision.”
The Orthoptics Department, the first of its kind to be opened outside of London, moved to a new specially designed space in the infants’ wing in the early 1940s. The treatment of squints had developed significantly since the department opened in the early 1930s: operations became less common, in favour of orthoptic exercises which were presented as ‘games’ for children, who would attend two sessions each week for a minimum of six months. The synoptiscope, introduced in the early 20th century, is designed to exercise the eye muscles and treat binocular abnormalities. See also MED01/01/2167-2170 and MED01/01/2172-2173. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Childrens Hospital, Eye Department, Health And Welfare
Our website works best with the latest version of the browsers below, unfortunately your browser is not supported. Using an old browser means that some parts of our website might not work correctly.
