Doctor creates sticky tape you can find the end of

Dr Rajan Bhojwani, pictured, invited members of The Partially Sighted Charity to test prototypes of the tape

An eye surgeon sought the help of those with visual impairments, as well as BBC series Dragons' Den, to develop a new type of sticky tape that can be seen more easily.

Ophthalmologist Dr Rajan Bhojwani said he hit on the idea after a patient apologised for giving him a badly wrapped present because they were unable to find the end of a roll of tape.

Dr Bhojwani spent four years designing and patenting his own tape, called See The Tape, which uses a black inner core rather than a white one. This helps people identify where the end of the tape is.

In October, he appeared on Dragons' Den, successfully striking a deal with businessman Steven Bartlett to help launch his product worldwide.

Until the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Bhojwani worked as a primary consultant at North Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He now does sessional work in North Hykeham and Grantham in Lincolnshire as well as in the Doncaster and Chesterfield areas.

Dr Bhojwani asked members of Doncaster-based registered charity The Partially Sighted Society, including its chairman Keith Binks, to test prototypes before the tape entered full production.

Mr Binks, who has severe sight impairment leading to difficulties with distance, blind spots and certain similar colours, said: "The clear tape, I have no chance of seeing - I can only feel where it is. But the new tape, if I get the light right, I can actually see that."

The product is sold at the society's shop, as well as online.

Mr Binks said he thought the tape would have wide appeal, arguing most people struggle to find the end of sticky tape.

Dr Bhojwani said he went on to Dragons' Den in an attempt to further the tape's appeal.

Keith Binks, chair of The Partially Sighted Society, says he can see the end of the new tape

"The main aim for going in the Den was two-fold," said Dr Bhojwani. "First, to get exposure and also not to make a fool of myself."

Dragon Peter Jones announced he would not be investing in the idea because he just used a dispenser for his sticky tape. Deborah Meaden, another of the Dragons, also said she was out, arguing the tape could be confused with black tape.

Dr Bhojwani said: "At one point I thought, I'm not going to get the offer here and just wanted the ground to swallow me up.

"But then Steven Bartlett said he liked a challenge and I thought, that's changed the mood."

Dr Bhojwani accepted an offer of £35,000 from Mr Bartlett in return for a 40% stake in the company.

Two sticky tapes side by side. On the left is Dr Bhojwani's

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