An optician’s in Borehamwood are being trained to see dementia in a different light.

The team at Specsavers, Shenley Road are becoming more qualified to understand the needs of their customers living with the condition.

The Alzheimer’s Society is working with the company to provide Dementia Friends training to employees nationwide to mark Dementia Awareness week from Monday, May 15 until Sunday May, 21.

The training encourages employees to learn the different ways that dementia affects people, and in particular the way their senses are impacted.

Some symptoms can cause problems with sight and visual perception, with some sufferers even experiencing hallucinations.

Research has revealed that almost half of dementia patients in care homes are wearing glasses with the wrong prescription, leading to increased isolation and confusion.

Borehamwood store director Lee Jobson-Fowle said: “Being more aware of dementia is an incredibly positive development for our team and our offering to customers.

“I always thought dementia was all to do with someone’s memory – but it is much more than that.

“By uncovering the truth about dementia it really opened my eyes to how at Specsavers, when performing our daily duties, we can all take a little time to support and care.”

Now staff in the shop as well as the team who visit homes and care homes will wear Dementia Friends badges to show their increased level of dementia knowledge.

They are also advising anyone over the age of 55 to have regular hearing tests as research suggests that people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.