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#WePatch

#WePatch2025-06-23T16:38:54+01:00

Our #WePatch campaign offers help with supporting a child who’s wearing a patch or being treated with eye drops for amblyopia.

Occlusion therapy is an extremely effective treatment for amblyopia, a condition where one eye’s vision doesn’t develop as well as the other. In this therapy, the stronger eye is covered with a patch or blurred with eye drops to help the weaker eye improve. While it can be challenging for both kids and parents, we’ve put together some simple tips and resources to make the process easier and even fun!

You can find out more about amblyopia and patching in our short guide. Scroll down for our other short guides and an amblyopia FAQ.

Super Eyes: Cartoon about patching and occlusion

Find out more about our campaign for a national orthoptic-led vision screening service for England.

What to expect when patching

While wearing their patch, some children may find some tasks more challenging, like colouring, reading, writing, or catching a ball. They may have a tendency to tilt or turn their head, or change their behaviour. This is normal and a sign that their weaker eye is working hard. Offering encouragement and allowing extra time for activities can help ease any frustration.

Your involvement and creativity make a big difference in their success. If you have any questions or concerns about patching or your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthoptist.

Top tips for patching success

  1. Use a visual timer. Seeing the time count down can help them feel more in control.
  2. For children with sensitive skin, milk of magnesia can help. Spread it on the area where the patch will go, let it dry, and then apply the patch.
  3. Encourage activities that keep their hands busy while patching, like crafts, drawing, or playing. Mealtimes also work well since they’re already focused on eating.
  4. Routine and consistency is key! Try patching at the same time every day. Using mealtimes as markers can help—for example, putting the patch on at breakfast and taking it off at snack time.
  5. Make it Fun! Let your child decorate their patches with stickers or drawings before wearing them. You could also tie patching to a favourite activity, like wearing the patch during iPad time or creating a special “patch and play” session.
  6. Consider their vision and plan engaging activities that work well with blurred vision, such as playing with larger toys, doing crafts, watching cartoons or listening to audiobooks.
  7. Track progress and celebrate small wins. Ask your orthoptist for a patching poster or diary to complete. Stickers, stars, or rewards for milestones can help keep them motivated. We’ve included some patching and atropine diaries in the resources section below.

Patching parties

Many departments around the country host patching parties, where children who patch or occlude can meet together for games, craft activities, music and stories. This also gives the adults who support them the opportunity to meet and share experiences and tips.

Ask your orthoptist if this is something that happens near you.

Helpful resources to support occlusion

Short guides

Amblyopia FAQ

A: Amblyopia occurs when the sight in one or both eyes is underdeveloped, leading to reduced vision.

A: The most common cause is a squint, but it can also result from vision being blocked or one eye being more long-sighted or short-sighted than the other.

A: Treatment often starts with glasses to help the eye focus correctly. If reduced vision persists, patching or using eye drops called Atropine may also be needed to address visual development issues.

A: Patching and eye drops work by encouraging the weaker eye to work harder. By covering or blurring the stronger eye, the weaker eye is forced to develop better vision. Glasses should be worn simultaneously if prescribed.

A: The amount of patching or eye drops varies depending on your child’s age and the level of reduced vision. Your orthoptist will regularly monitor your child’s progress and create a tailored treatment plan to meet their specific visual needs.

A: Patching is effective when your child wears the patch as instructed. It is most successful when started at an early age. However, patching improves vision but does not correct a squint. Squints are treated with glasses and/or surgery.

A: Yes, atropine eye drops can be a good alternative for mild amblyopia. These drops blur the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder, similar to the effect of patching. Speak to a clinician to see if this is suitable for your child.

A: No, untreated amblyopia can result in permanently reduced sight that cannot be corrected later in life. Early treatment is crucial.

A: Activities like reading, drawing, or playing with small toys are ideal. Since their vision will be reduced, consider any necessary adaptations to their environment or tasks.

A: Being actively involved in your child’s treatment helps improve results. Providing feedback to the healthcare team and supporting your child with fun and engaging activities during treatment can boost compliance and effectiveness.

A: Speak with any eye care professional involved in your child’s treatment. They can answer specific questions and provide tailored advice.

For Orthoptists:

Find out about the research supporting amblyopia treatment.

If you’re considering hosting a patching party, we have guidance and resources to help you. Visit our patching party page.