Vision Express rolls out menopause awareness training

Vision Express is introducing menopause awareness training for eye care professionals across its practices.

The roll-out follows a pilot which launched in 2024 with more than 20 practices and was doubled to more than 60 by the end of the same year.

Vision Express is also encouraging all adults to learn more about the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including the “often-overlooked” effect on eye health.

Vision Express highlighted that the training has proved popular with eye care professionals, with many who feel “personally connected” to the topic and able to relate to customer needs.

Farjana Ahmed, regional manager of London and London South, commented: “Our London region alone has more than 70 menopause eye health experts across 21 stores, a clear testament to the value this training is bringing to customers in our stores up and down the High Street nationwide. Dry eyes are a big symptom of hormonal changes, and many people do not realise the Advanced Eye Test features a dry eye assessment too.”

Research commissioned by Vision Express revealed gaps in understanding regarding menopause, its symptoms, and its effects on eye health.

The survey of 2000 adults showed that while nearly half of adults recognised mood swings as a menopausal symptom, only around one in seven (14%) associated perimenopause with vision-related changes.

Only 20% of those polled recognised dry eyes as a potential symptom.

Vision Express hopes to help patients “bridge the knowledge gap” by providing training for its eye care professionals on menopause awareness.

The survey found that 36% of women are not confident in understanding perimenopause, and 44% did not realise mood swings can be part of the experience.

A further 57% were unaware of links to weight gain, while 40% were not aware of a connection between anxiety and menopause.

The research also explored the role of partners in supporting someone through menopause, finding that 57% of men had not heard the term ‘perimenopause.’

A third admitted having ‘little to no understanding’ of their partner’s symptoms. However, 66% said their knowledge needs improvement, and 89% agreed that understanding menopause should be a shared responsibility across genders.

Dan McGhee, clinical services director at Vision Express, commented that the findings “starkly show the widespread lack of understanding surrounding perimenopause and the menopause."

“As the research reveals, adults wouldn’t spot dry eyes as a menopausal symptom, which is a side effect that tends to go undiagnosed,” he said, adding: “Too often, women are left to navigate these changes without the support of information they deserve and we hope to change that.”

Commenting on the survey, McGhee said: “With our research revealing that a significant number of men underestimate well-known symptoms, it’s clear that open communication and understanding are vital. Being aware of changes, including those affecting vision like dry eyes, allows for earlier support and proactive care.”

“We are committed to bridging this knowledge gap, ensuring both individuals and their partners are better equipped to navigate this important life stage together,” he said.