#WePatch: Patching & occlusion
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!
For clinicians looking to set up a patching party, you can find resources to get you started on our patching party page. We also have a wide collection of resources for use with patients who are undergoing occlusion therapy in our school vision screening visibility pack.
Watch our patching cartoons!
Super Eyes: All about patching
Meet Olivia, a bright and curious young girl visiting Oxi the Orthoptist for the first time with her parent.
The first orthoptic cartoon of its kind, it’s designed to spark curiosity, ease nerves, and help children learn about eye care in a fun and friendly way.
Our patching social story, featuring clips from the cartoon, is a useful prompt to talk children through what to expect when visiting an orthoptist.
Super Eyes 2: Patching and your life
Khadija has been given her very first patch. Watch as she follows her special training plan, learning new strategies to develop her super eyes!
The cartoon was informed by research funded by BIOS, Fight for Sight and NHS R&D North West and sponsored by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (IRAS number 293917), in which parents shared their experiences of supporting children with patching. Their insights helped shape this animation.
What to expect
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.
BIOS’s top tips for patching success
- Use a visual timer. Seeing the time count down can help them feel more in control.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Other useful resources
- Our short guides for parents and carers on amblyopia, strabismus and wearing glasses.
- Find out about the research supporting amblyopia treatment.
- Nucleolus Software, the producers of the Amblio App, have created a series of helpful infographics on patching and amblyopia.
If you’re considering hosting a patching party, we have guidance and resources to help you. Visit our patching party page.
Explore other areas
What is child vision screening?
Information for parents and carers on what vision screening is and why it is important. Includes what you child should expect and links for further information.
Read more
What is an orthoptist?
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision.
Read more
How do I become an orthoptist?
Find out about the fantastic opportunities available ion a career in orthoptics.
Read more