Former speaker of the House of Commons Baroness Boothroyd has launched the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's "One Vision" campaign in Westminster's Portcullis House.

The charity aims to raise awareness of the statutory right of employees who use a Video Display Unit for more than an hour a day to a free eye test paid for by their employer.

TUC General Secretary John Monks said: "Over the last two years, Guide Dogs has helped transform the 'me' decade into the 'eye' decade. People at work need to know what their 'eye' rights are, and they need to make use of the legal rights which some people have to a regular eye test. Unions and Guide Dogs are pushing eye care and eye health up the agenda at work."

Former speaker of the House of Commons Baroness Boothroyd said: "I am totally committed to eye testing, it is such a very precious commodity. I was very pleased to have the eye test here today. It is wonderful especially for people who are using VDUs and more people should take up the option to have an eye test."

Forum Response: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Geraldine Peacock, chief executive of Guide Dogs', told ePolitix.com: "The research we have commissioned has shown both indifference and ignorance of eye care in the workplace.

"We hope the One Vision campaign will encourage everyone to make regular visits to opticians which can be vital in detecting the early signs of more serious eye conditions.

"The charity's aim is to have a massive impact on the eye health of the nation's workforce. As one of our clients said - its great having a guide dog but I'd rather not need one."