Trachoma Examinations

DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
Division of Indian Health Washington 25 D.C.

DIVISION OF INDIAN HEALTH CIRCULAR NO. 61-26

1. PURPOSE.  This Circular establishes Division policy with respect to examinations for trachoma in Division of Indian Health hospitals and outpatient facilities.

2. BACKGROUND.  Trachoma contracted in childhood usually evolves slowly so that important visual loss or severe cicatricial lid changes may not appear for many years.  For this reason the Division's program has centered on examinations of school children.  While the disease has been reduced in frequency and severity, re-infection easily takes place in the home when contact is made with other members of the family who have not been treated.

3. POLICY.  Every physical examination performed in a Division of Indian Health hospital or outpatient facility shall include an examination of the patient's eyes.  It should include examination of the everted upper lid for tarsal follicles and scars and examination of the upper limbs for pannus.

4. RESPONSIBILITY.  It shall be the responsibility of Area Medical Officers in Charge to ensure that the provisions of this Circular are complied with.