Fight for Sight Radio 4 broadcast

Fight for Sight president Betty Boothroyd will broadcast a fundraising appeal for the optical charity on Radio 4 on January 21.

The charity's previous Radio 4 Appeal raised £40,000 for Fight for Sight. Boothroyd will tell listeners that glaucoma is now the second most common cause of blindness in the world and that in the UK one in 20 people with glaucoma will lose their sight because it is diagnosed too late.

She will also give as an example the case of a 68-year-old man who has gone blind as a result of glaucoma and point out that Fight for Sight is supporting Dr Paul Foster, a researcher at the Institute of Ophthalmology who is trying to identify the condition at an earlier stage.

Commenting on the appeal, Dr Foster said: 'The funding that Fight for Sight provides is absolutely essential, making a donation is an opportunity to touch the lives of millions.'

The appeal can be heard at 7.55am and 21.26pm between 92 and 95 FM and at 198 LW.

Donations can be made to the appeal by calling 0800 404 8144, by cheque to Freepost, Fight for Sight or online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/appeal from January 21.