PROVOST JOHN Hulbert may have been behind shades but he certainly wasn’t left in the dark about eye health after a visit by Guide Dogs For the Blind yesterday.

The Perth and Kinross Provost was doing his bit to support the organisation’s Shades Day, joining thousands of people over the country who all put on their shades, sun visors or sun hats to raise awareness of the need to protect eyes from the sun by wearing protective gear.

Provost Hulbert, said, “Shades Day is a fantastic way both to raise money for Guide Dogs and to highlight the importance of wearing sun glasses.

“Educating people—and particularly teenagers and young adults—about how to protect their sight is very important if we are to reduce the occurrence of certain eye conditions such as cataracts or age related macular degeneration.

“One simple way to keep your eyes healthy is to wear your sunglasses.

“If you are outside and the light is so bright that you have to squint or turn your head away, it’s time to put your shades on.”

May Thompson, who with guide dog Wallis, joined the provost to highlight the cause, said, “The official Shades Day is today but anyone can organise an event—at school or at work—on any day.

“Whatever the event, the main thing is to you wear your shades, make a donation and have fun.”