I can sympathise with Stuart Heritage (My son is getting glasses for the first time. He’s fine about it but I’m an emotional wreck, 16 April), as I too was extremely short-sighted for most of my life, and suffered as a youngster from numerous taunts. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. At the age of 78 I had cataract surgery, which has resulted in greatly improved vision. I can even see the soap when I drop it in the shower.
Bob Dawson
Greenmount, Greater Manchester
• I am struggling to encompass Kemi Badenoch’s images on Radio 4’s Today programme of Keir Starmer sticking his head in the sand and sitting on the fence (with reference to Peter Mandelson failing security vetting). Is this a new pilates exercise which could catch on?
Peter Hames
Northam, Devon
• When I worked in the civil service and, post-privatisation in 1984, telecoms, Izal toilet paper was standard issue (Letters, 15 April). No doubt it was hygienic, but there was a reason for the “wash your hands” rubric. Its shiny surface was not actually all that good at the one job it was meant to be doing.
Keith Flett
Tottenham, London
• My heart goes out to the chief executive of South East Water for forgoing his “performance payment” and surviving on his £400,000 salary (Report, 14 April). Please let us know how he’ll manage.
Bridget Craig
Ashurst, Hampshire
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