The superintendent of the school for the blind shall have the eyes of every pupil admitted to the school carefully examined by the school physician or a certified ophthalmologist. If, upon examination, it appears that by medical treatment or by surgical operation sight may be improved or restored, the superintendent, after obtaining the consent of the parents or guardian of the pupil when it is practicable to obtain their consent, shall institute the medical treatment or shall have the surgical operation performed which in his judgment is practicable and advisable. If the treatment or operation is successful, the pupil shall be discharged from the school as soon thereafter as is practical.