John Baron MP elected as Co-Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group on Vision and Visual Impairment

MP elected to champion the rights of blind and partially sighted people in Parliament

The Group, founded in 2003 and run by MPs and Peers, holds formal meetings in parliament, offsite visits and receptions, to educate parliamentarians about eye health, sight loss and issues affecting blind and partially sighted people. The Group is strongly supported by a large group of observers from across the optical, ophthalmic and sight loss sectors, and offers parliamentarians access to up to date oral and written briefings on key issues.

John said:

“I am delighted to take on this role. Working with my Co-Chairman, Lord Low of Dalston, I look forward to championing the rights of blind and partially sighted people in parliament, and to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations for good eye health and the prevention of avoidable sight loss.”

Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at RNIB, said:

“We are delighted that John has taken on this role. He has been a champion in parliament on sight loss issues for a number of years, in particular campaigning for sight saving treatments to be made available on the NHS. We and our colleagues from across the eye health and visual impairment sectors, look forward to working with him.”

Ends

Word Count: 193
Date: 30th July 2010

Notes to Editors

1. The attached photograph shows John with Lord Low (second from left) and other speakers at a recent meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group

2.The All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment is an approved All Party Group on the parliamentary register.

3. Lord Low of Dalston, CBE, is a Crossbench Peer, appointed in 2006. He is a former Chairman of RNIB, is President of SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, Chairman of the European Blind Union and Vice-President of Disability Alliance.

4. RNIB and the College of Optometrists provide secretariat support to the Group.