Kids Eye Gear, the Australian orthoptic eye patch manufacturer and retailer, has partnered with Sunshine Coast artist Elise Gow to create an exclusive range of eye patch decorations.
The range will form part of Kids Eye Gear’s ‘Patch Your Way’ system, an original concept that enables children to get involved with creating their own eye patches for occlusion therapy using an exclusive range of decorations.
Elise Gow’s artwork will feature in a range of three transfers…. Children can choose their own decorations and design a patch just the way they want it
Occlusion therapy, or patching, is a treatment that involves using either an adhesive or fabric eye patch to cover the stronger eye in order to strengthen the weaker eye. It is often used to treat amblyopia, strabismus and congenital cataracts. Without treatment, many children with these conditions can lose sight in the affected eye.
Creator of the Patch Your Way concept and Founder of children’s optical accessories company Kids Eye Gear, Nicola Rivett, said the collaboration was developed to help make eye patching fun for kids.
“Our 2020 Little Aussie Eyes research found that 65% of patching parents said their greatest challenge was getting their child to actually wear the patch, indicating that compliance is a significant issue,” Ms Rivett said.
Occlusion therapy, or patching, is a treatment that involves using either an adhesive or fabric eye patch to cover the stronger eye in order to strengthen the weaker eye. It is often used to treat amblyopia, strabismus and congenital cataracts. Without treatment, many children with these conditions can lose sight in the affected eye.
“Our Patch Your Way concept is a really simple idea that can have a big impact and both Elise and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve created,” she said.
“Instead of just having a plain patch or a patch that already comes with a cartoony image on it, our system allows the child to create their own patch.
“The added bonus is that decorating the patch also becomes a great patching activity as it’s close up work that requires hand-eye coordination.”
Elise Gow’s artwork will feature in a range of three transfers, similar to temporary tattoos, that can easily be applied to an adhesive eye patch. Children can choose their own decorations and design a patch just the way they want it, giving them ownership of the process.
The range includes Australian Animals, Under the Sea and Unicorns and Rainbows.
Having never heard of occlusion therapy before the project, artist Elise Gow said she was excited to be involved in such an innovative and interesting project.
“I didn’t know anything about patching so this collaboration has opened my eyes, so to speak, about kids’ vision issues and the battles that parents can be faced with in trying to improve their kids’ eyesight,” Ms Gow said.
“It’s exciting to think that kids in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other countries around the world could be using my designs to create their own eye patches.
“Imagine a little patcher in Canada wearing an eye patch covered in kangaroos, koalas and bilbies!
“I’m thrilled to be involved in such an imaginative project and delighted that I could partner with Kids Eye Gear to create something so special.”
The limited-edition Elise Gow “Patch Your Way” transfers are available at www.kidseyegear.com.au.
