Fight for Sight names new patron

Lord Colin Low of Dalston CBE has been appointed as patron of eye research charity, Fight for Sight. 

His new role will see him both helping to raise awareness of, and supporting, the charity's fundraising efforts. 

Blind since the age of three, Lord Low is a lifelong campaigner for the rights of blind and disabled people. In recognition of this work, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000. Having served as chair of the Royal National Institute of Blind People from 2000–2009, Lord Low has been a crossbench member of the House of Lords since he was made a life peer in 2006.

Speaking about the appointment, CEO of Fight for Sight, Michele Acton, said: "We are delighted that Lord Low has agreed to become a patron...With real progress being made in the development of potential gene, stem cell and drug therapies and the use of new technologies to diagnose and treat eye disease, the pace of change has never been so rapid."

She added: "With Lord Low's support, we look forward to building on developments by raising the profile of the need for eye research and campaigning for greater financial support."

Lord Low highlighted that eye research is "woefully underfunded," adding that he looks forward to doing all he can to support Fight for Sight in its efforts to change this.