Hertsmere's Labour group leader Frank Ward attended the launch of a fundraising campaign last week at Barnet Eye Clinic, where he was successfully treated for two cataracts.

The clinic, at Barnet Hospital, launched a campaign on World Sight Day last Thursday to raise £70,000 for a digital laser camera.

The camera, called a Heidelberg Retina Angiograph, gives a detailed diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Councillor Ward supported the launch having been treated by the clinic in February and August this year, for cataracts in both eyes.

Mr Ward said: "I now have 20-20 vision in both eyes, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the eye operations unit.

"The campaign to raise money, under the promotions of the Lions Club of Hadley Wood, in order to purchase this much-needed piece of equipment with which to perform essential eye operations, requires to be applauded, and supported by all of us. I have great confidence they will succeed."

Suzanne Althauser, associate specialist at the clinic, said: "Age-related macular degeneration causes severe sight impairment in the elderly, and is the most common cause for blind registration in the United Kingdom.

"The digital imaging system will allow us to considerably improve our service, and enable us to play an active role in new treatment options."

The launch was also attended by the MP for Southgate and Enfield, Stephen Twigg.

World Sight Day was first launched, in 1998, by Lions Club International, to educate the world about conquering blindness.

October 17, 2001 12:14