A unit in Potters Bar town centre has turned from blue to green, after Specsavers took over the former Barclays bank branch.

The store in Darkes Lane - which was officially opened by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Chris Myers - has four optical testing rooms and a dual audiology room for all hearing concerns.

There is also an optical coherence tomography machine, which takes a 3D structural scan of the eye to help detect a range of eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts, up to four years earlier than traditional methods.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The store has taken over the former Barclays branch.The store has taken over the former Barclays branch. (Image: Tigerbond)

"We’ve been looking forward to this day for a while now and we are so happy that it’s now here," said retail director Neelam Khan.

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"Our mission is to offer great value and quality to the Potters Bar community, and this goes past providing optical and audiological care.

"With the new store, we have the unique opportunity to help and support Potters Bar, both on the high street and further afield.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The store has state-of-the-art equipment.The store has state-of-the-art equipment. (Image: Tigerbond)

"We want to be a pillar for the community assisting local charities, groups and initiatives across the town."

Ophthalmic director Naeem Ghafoor added: "I started my career at Specsavers, working as an optical assistant in 2015 and since then I’ve worked all the way up to becoming the director of the very first Specsavers in Potters Bar.

"The support and assistance that Specsavers have given me over the past eight years has been invaluable.

"Their guidance is a big reason why I can have this career, and we want to continue to offer these opportunities for our residents.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Cllr Myers cuts the ribbon to open the store.Cllr Myers cuts the ribbon to open the store. (Image: Tigerbond)

"I have had an amazing career, being able to meet many amazing people such as Councillor Chris Myers and the wonderful Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, without whom none of this would be possible."

Mayor Myers is looking forward to seeing the store thrive, and praised the staff's dedication to help the people of Potters Bar.

"It was such a privilege to open the first Specsavers store in Potters Bar," he said.

"When I spoke with the team, it was very clear that they all wanted to do their part to keep Potters Bar as wonderful as possible and I cannot wait to see the amazing work I know they will do in the area."