News Release

25th February 2002

HELP FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Michael Fabricant, and other MPs from all Political Parties, is calling on the Government to provide a proper infrastructure to help the blind and visually impaired. Community care for the blind and partially sighted people has become a lottery depending on the area in which people live. Over two thirds of those who are eligible are not registered as blind or partially sighted and the majority of these people do not receive any social care services. Many areas do not have community-based rehabilitation officers and 88 per cent. of people over 65 who have cataracts and 75 per cent. who have glaucoma have no contact with eye specialists.

Michael is calling on the Government to develop a nationwide strategy for visual impairment services in England to ensure the necessary structures, strategies, standards and resources are put in place to overcome these inequalities.

The campaign has the support of over 100 visual impairment organisations including The National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and Action for Blind People.

"There are over 3,000 visually impaired people in the Lichfield Parliamentary Constituency alone and many are not receiving the help to which they are entitled", says Michael Fabricant. "Moreover, many do not know how to apply for help or fill in over complicated forms. The visually impaired in the midlands deserve a better deal".