DR . PATCH
MAKING PATCHING FUN
By Jody Johnson-Pettit
DR . PATCH
When Quebec mom Lyse-Anne Roy found out that her three-year-old son Zacharie would have to wear a therapeutic eyepatch , she began researching what products were available on the market . She didn ’ t like what she found .
“ They were cumbersome , unattractive and poorly adapted to a child ’ s day-to-day life . I didn ’ t want an eyepatch that drew attention to my son ’ s medical problem ,” she says .
So Roy , a graphic designer by trade , invented Dr . Patch , a reusable , residue-free patch that is affixed directly on the eyeglass lens . She began selling the product in 2009 . Two years ago , Dr . Patch launched a new total occlusion eyepatch , which is a silicone product that attaches to the inside of a lens with a suction cup . Self-adhesive , reusable eyepatch stickers can then be added to the front of the lens for a cool , fun look .
“ We have cool eyepatches that are comfortable , unique and reusable ,” says Roy , president of Dr . Patch .
“ To accompany our total occlusion eyepatch , we have developed a kit that will help kids participate actively in their own treatment . All of the products have been created to make the treatment fun for the children , encouraging them to participate and reinforcing their self-esteem .”
There are many cool sticker designs to choose from -- everything from kitten and puppy-themed patches to Christmas-themed stickers . The company also makes patches for adults .
Patching is a way to treat amblyopia and strabismus . The treatment is designed to force the brain to acknowledge data received from the problem eye .
Visit www . drpatch . ca to find out more .
6 EYE FOCUS | February 2017