An MP who almost went blind took part in a Parliamentary debate about eye health.

Hendon MP Matthew Offord was diagnosed with a torn retina in his left eye September, three years after having surgery to repair a tear in his right one.

On Wednesday, he spoke in Parliament to raise the issue of Eye Clinic Liason Officers (ECLOs) who help patients and their families understand their diagnosis.

They provide information and support, including referrals to other service – but only 30 per cent of eye clinics have this kind of qualified support in place.

Mr Offord said: “Eye health has become an important issue for me and my personal experience has led me to work on many related issues.

“On two occasions I have sat in hospitals facing the reality that I could lose my sight, a prospect that is frightening for anyone who has to experience it.

“Sight loss has a huge impact upon the lives of those who suffer such a loss and upon their families.

“I believe that the expansion of ECLOs across the country would be a comparatively small financial price to pay for a service whose benefit cannot be measured in monetary amounts."