Devon Local Optical Committee have launched a children’s competition to design an “eye-catching eyepatch” to celebrate National Eye Health Week 2021
Devon Local Optical Committee and Sensory Solutions Improving Lives Plymouth have partnered to celebrate National Eye Health Week, which will take place from 20th to 26 September 2021. They are inviting children of all ages to design an eyepatch and offer the chance to win Smyths vouchers for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best designs.
Eye patches are commonly used to manage a condition called amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. While glasses may be sufficient in some cases, others will also need to use an eye patch to encourage the child to use the weaker eye and help it develop.
This condition affects 1 in 50 children and was first described in the 1600s. If left untreated, it may stop children from certain career choices such as becoming pilots, police officers or firefighters and may increase the risk of blindness in later life.
Because early treatment works well and usually prevents long-term vision problems, it is important to make parents aware and ensure children are seen by an eye care professional regularly (at least every 2 years). The winning design will be used in a poster that will be distributed to Opticians to help increase awareness.