i to the existence of the actuator 20 the attention signal 42 may further comprise an audible signal as the patron i moves closer to the restroom door 28 the proximity sensor 40 detects that the patron i is within a certain zone for example a distance from the actuator up to 18 inches and sends an electronic signal to the control unit 22 which in turns sends an electronic signal back to the actuator 20 to indicate a change in operation status for example flashing the affirmative action icon 44 on the actuator 20 by way of example the affirmative action visual signal 44 can instruct the patron i to wave their hand in front of the actuator 20 to initiate the opening of the door 28 in an alternative embodiment the actuator 20 constantly flashes to get the attention of the patron i in such an embodiment a single proximity zone 82 can be used the actuator 20 does not require a first proximity zone 80 to detect the presence of the patron i instead the actuator 20 flashes continuously in an u201c always on u201d mode when the patron i desires to exit the restroom the iconic instruction 44 is already illuminated and the patron i need only to take the affirmative action necessary to initiate the hands free door opener 10 as the patron i complies with the iconic instruction requiring the affirmative action the proximity sensor 40 interprets the affirmative action and sends an electronic signal to the control unit 22 which first sends a signal back to the actuator to illuminate the door opening signal 46 and second initiates the door opening sequence to initiate the door opening sequence the control unit 22 sends a signal to the power assisted drive mechanism.