ARMY EYESIGHT TESTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20639, 20 August 1941, Page 10

ARMY EYESIGHT TESTS

UNMASKING MALINGERERS USE OF POLARISED LIGHT Involving the use of one of UKgreatest marvels of optical science, polarised light; a new test now in use at Auckland army headquarters, infallibly reveals eyesight malingerers. Those who attempt to avoid military service by feigning eye defects arc unmasked in from one to two seconds. The new test, which is believed so far to be in use in Auckland only, has been evolved by a young Auckland optician from experiments carried out in America. The details of the test are necessarily secret. The optical examination of recruits is now carried out far more fully than was the practice in the early days of the war. In addition to being graded for standard, men have their eyes carefully checked for any incipient disease which might be aggravated by war service. It is thus possible lo check defects which might be the basis of a claim for pensions from men whose trouble became aggravated by active service. Consequently the country is saved considerable sums which would be paid out in war pensions not due to war service. So important has the eye test become that Territorials are having their sight re-examined prior to their return to civilian life. The men benefit in that eye defects which might have remained undiscovered for some time can be treated before gaining a hold.