Two MPs have experienced the world of the visually impaired.
Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, and John Baron, MP for Billericay and district, have both given their support to sufferers.
Mrs Smith joined Onsight, a Basildon-based project providing the only sighted service for blind and visually impaired shoppers in Britain, as part of National Volunteers' week.
Insight - MP Angela Smith helps blind Melanie Hammond, and her daughter Katie, four, choose a new bag Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
She guided a visually impaired shopper from the project office in the Eastgate Shopping Centre around the town, giving detailed descriptions of goods and helping at check outs.
Onsight is a joint venture between the Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Services, the PAVIS Foundation for Visually Impaired People and Eastgate Shopping Centre.
John Baron donned a pair of goggles with restricted vision to stimulate what it is like to be partially blind as he offered his support to the Guide Dogs for the Blind's new One Vision Campaign.
The campaign focuses on the importance of regular visits to opticians, the importance of a healthy diet in assisting good vision and protecting your eyes in the sun.
Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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