The Orthoptics team at University Hospital Crosshouse held the first ever Patch Party to highlight World Orthoptic Day on 2 June.
The team invited some of their young patients (and their grown-ups) so they could meet other children with eye patches, play games, and do some arts and crafts, such as designing their own patches and glasses case.
It was also an opportunity to create awareness of the condition Amblyopia (commonly known as ‘lazy eye) and inform parents about the importance of patch wearing. Orthoptists are trained to offer a range of treatments in the management of visual development and eye muscle misalignment. This may include eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.
Laura Lindsay, Senior Orthoptist for NHS Ayrshire & Arran said, “The party was a great success, it was lovey to see the children getting involved in the activities and realising that they are not the only ones going through the treatment. It also provided a great opportunity for parents to provide each other with support and share hints and tips on making sure their child wears the patch.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Crosshouse Childrens Fund for providing funding for arts and crafts supplies, snacks, and teddy bears (complete with their very own patches) for young patients to take home. And thanks also to the Kilmarnock Odeon who have provided each of the families with tickets to see The Disney/Pixar film “Elio”, in which the main character wears an eye patch.”
To coincide with the opening of the film Eilo, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s orthoptic team have an information stand about the condition Amblyopia (commonly known as ‘lazy eye) and raise awareness for the see4school visual screening programme, at the Odeon cinema in Kilmarnock from Friday 20 June until Sunday 22 June.
Laura added, “Children undergoing patching treatment can feel alone, isolated and have reduced confidence. Hopefully the film will give children with eye conditions the ability to feel confident in themselves. With the party being such a success we would love to host one annually”
Background information:
- Orthoptists see patients with a wide range of conditions affecting their vision such as blurred, oscillating or double vision; neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumours or multiple sclerosis; and visual screening in schools and pre-schools as part of the see4school programme to detect Amblyopia, more commonly known as a “lazy eye” – watch a short video here.
- To support our young patients with other events and activities taking place throughout the year visit – https://www.crosshousechildrensfund.org/donate