A branch of Specsavers has received an award from The National Autistic Society, making it the UK’s first ever opticians practice to be recognised as ‘autism friendly’.

The practice, in Trongate, Glasgow, has made significant changes to its training procedures and day-to-day operations in order to cater for autistic customers.

Autism awareness training, weekly ‘quiet times’ and a ‘chill out’ area are all amongst the changes implemented by store director, David Quigley.

“Learning about autism and the small adjustments that can be made in store to help support autistic customers has been truly insightful,” said Mr Quigley.

“The care of our customers is at the centre of everything we do here at Specsavers and we are delighted to have created a better environment for those with autism who visit the store.

“We are proud and honoured to be recognised as the UK’s first autism-friendly optician.”

The Trongate-based branch accepted The National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award from Society volunteer, Mr Gordon Wallace.

Mr Wallace, who is autistic himself, said: “I am a spectacles-wearer and I haven’t had much fuss with eye tests, but I can imagine that some autistic people may have problems understanding the process and having an alien device placed on their face, especially those who have never worn glasses before.”