Specsavers hits Dementia Friend target

Specsavers’ target of having one Dementia Friend per store has been achieved just ahead of Dementia Awareness Week (May 15-21).

Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, the Dementia Friends initiative uses an online information session to train staff members on aspects of the condition and how it affects people.

The nationwide initiative push follows research published by PrOVIDe which highlighted optometrist’s concerns that not enough training and support is provided to examine people with dementia.

Specsavers clinical spokesperson Dr Nigel Best said: ‘Patients with a dementia diagnosis may not be able to recognise or articulate the issues that many of us face when we begin to lose our sight but the effects are the same. Sight loss can be isolating and confusing for those with dementia, which is why we recommend regular eye health assessments.’