The Healthy Eyes Campaign 2003

12.33.19pm GMT Tue 11th Nov 2003

MP Vincent Cable has backed a new charity campaign to improve the public's awareness of eye health.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has joined forces with national healthcare provider HealthSure to launch the Healthy Eyes campaign. The campaign includes the launch of a new website - www.healthyeyes.org.uk and pocket booklet - The Little Book of Healthy Eyes; comprehensive guides to eye care for everyone. Besides offering tips on how to look after your eyes, the website and booklet provide useful information about specific eye conditions and what happens when you have an eye test.

The website also features the National EyeQ Survey, which is designed to establish the public's knowledge and habits in relation to eye care and eye conditions. Everyone is invited to fill in the survey, which will be on the website until Monday 1 December.

MP Vincent Cable said: "Many eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma can be stopped in their tracks if they are caught in the early stages and treated. I would encourage everyone to visit www.healthyeyes.org.uk and find out how and why they should take care of their eyes".

To celebrate its partnership with Guide Dogs and encourage more people to start looking after their eyesight, not-for-profit healthcare provider HealthSure is offering all new policyholders who join through www.healthyeyes.org.uk their first two months cover completely free of charge. For details visit the website.

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For further media information please contact Alison Wade or Chris Dyson in Guide Dogs' Press Office on 0118 8380 8281 or 07768 523996.