More Ellis Island

As you entered the registry room, doctors looked at you to see if you might be sick.  They would put a chalk letter on you, if they felt like you needed a more thorough exam.  This E meant to check the eyes.

Here is a list of all the letters they might use - L for lame, H for heart.

Here the doctor is using a button hook to check the underside of the upper eyelid for trachoma, a very contagious eye infection.

Here, people wait their turn to be interviewed by officials.