Children with amblyopia (also known as a lazy eye) have attended a special screening of the new Disney Pixar film ‘Elio’ as part of a ‘patching party’ to support children who need to patch and their families.
Six children, including patient’s siblings, attended the screening at the RVI’s MediCinema to watch the hero of the film – Elio Solís – who wears an eye patch, which is often associated with the treatment of amblyopia, a condition where one eye doesn’t develop properly.
In order to treat amblyopia the patient will undergo occlusion therapy. This is where the stronger eye is patched or blurred with drops to encourage the weaker eye to strengthen.
Children with amblyopia will wear a patch over their weaker eye, which can be up to 6 hours a day for a period of months, sometimes over a number of years. Patching parties are a way for adults and children to have the opportunity to meet and share experiences and tips.
Jack Ellis, orthoptist in Newcastle Eye Centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary said: “Wearing an eye patch is a common medical intervention for amblyopia. We wanted to hold a ‘patching party’ to bring together parents and their children who have to wear a patch as part of this treatment.
“It is so important for children to see themselves represented and helps engagement with treatment. It is amazing to see that Elio is wearing a patch, and we thought it was a perfect opportunity to bring together our patients to help normalise the experience of wearing a patch.”
The special screening was organised as part of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) campaign #WePatch, which promotes the importance of patching and of supporting adults with children who need to patch.
Sharelle Major, mum of Theo who attended the event said: “The patching party was a fantastic idea brought to life with so much care, energy, and fun. The children had a truly brilliant time from start to finish, and it was heartwarming to see them so engaged, happy, and confident while wearing their patches.
“The event was not only full of excitement, but also incredibly meaningful. It gave the children a chance to understand the importance of eye patching in a fun and positive way. Turning something that can often be challenging into positive experience.”
The children took part in a number of activities which included designing their own patches for them and their teddies to wear.
Sharelle added: “Decorating the eye patches was a brilliant idea it allowed the children to express themselves creatively and take real pride in their patches.
“To top it all off, the highlight of the day was watching the movie Elio. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day full of activities, and the kids were completely captivated.
“Today was more than just fun it was empowering, memorable, and so important.”
Alis Sejourne, visibility lead of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society said: “We are delighted to hear that the Eye Care team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary are holding a patching party with a special screening of the new Disney Pixar’s film Elio!
“Many children wearing a patch for amblyopia treatment will have been excited to see the central character in the new Disney Pixar movie, Elio, wearing a patch.
“While the reasons for Elio wearing a patch are a little different, many children wear an eye patch as treatment for an orthoptic condition called amblyopia, where vision in one eye is underdeveloped. As well as providing these children with a positive role model, this kind of visibility is a positive step in raising awareness of a real-life condition that affects up to 5% of children.
“BIOS have recently launched our #WePatch campaign to raise awareness of amblyopia and occlusion therapy, where a child is prevented from seeing out of their good eye through the use of a patch or eye drops, to help the weaker eye improve. As part of the campaign, we’ve launched a series of resources for children and the adults who support them, such as information leaflets and an animation on patching.”
MediCinema at the RVI is funded thanks to the generous supporters of Newcastle Hospitals Charity. Newcastle Hospitals Charity also supported the event with sensory toys and resources for the event.
