9 April 2026
Becky Reynolds and Isabelle Aldridge
Children with a sight condition in Wolverhampton were invited to the city’s first ‘patch party’, complete with a surprise guest.
The children, all patients at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, have amblyopia, a common childhood eye condition. The condition can be caused by several factors that affect visual development in early childhood.
Treatment typically involves wearing glasses and a patch over the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder and improve vision.
The party, funded by Your RWTC, the Trust’s registered charity, was organised for children who wear a patch as part of their treatment, helping them to understand they are not alone and encouraging them to proudly wear their patch together.
As part of the event, children took part in a range of fun activities, including games and face painting and were given a party bag as well as meeting special guest, Peter Rabbit – supplied by Matt’s Mission Children’s Charity who also donated Easter eggs to hand out.
Catherine McKeown, Assistant Head of Orthoptics, said: “Patching can be a real battle for parents and can be hard for children.
“By inviting families here today to meet each other and take part in fun activities while wearing their patches, we hope to help make this journey a little easier.”
Treatment can often impact the day-to-day lives of both children and their families, and the event also offered parents and guardians the opportunity to share experiences, tips and encouragement.
Six-year-old Isabelle Aldridge, from Codsall, was one of the children who attended. She was diagnosed with amblyopia last year after a routine eye test identified an issue.
Her mum, Becky Reynolds, said: “I took her for a routine eye test last August, which showed one eye was stronger than the other. She didn’t show any signs or symptoms, so it was a complete shock.
“She has to wear an eye patch on her stronger eye for two hours a day and has been doing really well. Since January, her eyesight has significantly improved. The team have been great and this party is a fantastic idea.
“Isabelle was so excited to receive the invite, and it’s been lovely seeing other parents and children going through the same experience as us.”
Saj Javed and his five-year-old daughter Laiba also attended the party.
He said: “It has been a great event – really well put together and thoughtfully organised. She does get upset when she has to wear the patch, but she is doing really well. We’ve really enjoyed coming here today, and Laiba especially loved meeting the Easter bunny.”
Patch parties help to strengthen the connection between families and the Orthoptic Team, encouraging acceptance, confidence and positive treatment experiences for children with the condition.
Around one in 25 children will develop some degree of amblyopia as their vision develops, and Orthoptists are specially trained to assess and manage the condition.
Lindsey Wagstaff, Community and Events Fundraising Officer for Your RWTC, which funded the event, said: “We were so pleased to fund this patch party.
“Events like this make a real difference by bringing families together, reducing anxiety around treatment and helping children feel confident and supported. It’s wonderful to see the positive impact it has on both the children and their families.”