720318Development of a novel eye patch for the treatment of Amplyopia (lazy eye)ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKAmblyopia (lazy eye) is a reversible condition which demonstrates reduced vision in one eye which forces the other to over compensate for this. The primary form of treatment for this is eye patching to encourage vision to improve in the weaker eye. While patching is the preferred treatment method its success rates are low (22%). This is due to a number of reasons (patches permeable to light, poor fit and discomfort) which have been observed in academic studies and patient feedback. Treatment is initiated in children around age 5 and delayed or ineffective treatment results in permanent vision problems for the rest of their life. This project aims to address all the issues encountered by current patching treatment by researching and developing a novel occlusive paediatric eye patch which will be used by clinicians as a replacement for the current eye patches used. The ultimate project goals are to reduce patient treatment time, increase the comfort of the patches to the wearer and reduce the number of patches required per day. This will ensure the treatment is easier for the child to experience while also providing cost savings for the treatment organisation anywhere in the world (the NHS in the UK) or other buyer. This project will build on research undertaken to date by Clearview and focus on the materials and adhesives which are the main components of the eye patch to research and develop these specifically for more effective treatment. The convex patch will be designed ergonomically and aesthetically and incorporated into the manufacture so a prototype can be developed for technical testing, clinical trials and health economics study which will back up the claims of Clearview Medical that these patches will result in more effective treatment for lazy eye. Once the technical documentation, accreditations, standards and packaging have been finalised the patches will be ready for production and the various routes to market exploited.