SPECTACLES IN ARMY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21043, 20 February 1940, Page 7

SPECTACLES IN ARMY

OPTICIANS’ CONFERENCE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Reference to the influence of the war on optometry was made by Mr Brooke in his presidential address to the annual conference of the Institute of Opticians of New Zealand, which was opened to-day. Mr Brooke Taylor said that the younger members of'the profession were enlisting and as the war progressed there would probably be a shortage of refractionists and mechanics, but the organisation of the association should enable them to make the most of the man power available. The influence of the war and sterling arrangements on the supply of optical goods had not yet ben seriously felt, but the present condition could not be expected to last. The number of soldiers in the first echelon who wore spectacles caused public comment Mr Brooke Taylor remarked, but the authorities had revealed that a physically fit recruit was no longer rejected because he wore glasses, provided they brought vision up to the required standard. A particular type of spectacle frame had been adopted by the Imperial Army. The frame could be worn under a gas mask, and each man was supplied with a duplicate pair. The question cf following this practice in New Zealand was now under consideration.

Delegates from all parts of New Zealand are attending the conference, which will occupy five days.