SORRY, BUT WE ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

HELPFUL INFORMATION TO READ BEFORE ORDERING

Before emailing to ask a question, please look through the FAQs.

 

DO YOU ACCEPT TELEPHONE ORDERS?

As a small home-based business there is simply not enough time in the day to do everything, plus answer the phone. Therefore, we cannot field questions or take orders over the telephone. We do try hard to promptly answer email questions, but please read on before contacting us.

 

DO YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL STORE OR RETAIL OUTLETS?

No, we are an internet based business and do not maintain a “brick-and-mortar” store. As of this date we do not have any retailers selling our products, although some Occularists in the U.S. do stock select models.

 

WHY DOES IT TAKE 14 WORKING DAYS TO PROCESS MY ORDER?

Again, we are a small home-based business serving customers worldwide for over ten years (with over 10,000 sold!). We make each eye patch to order and quality will always be our greatest priority. When you consider the variety of colors, sizes and styles we offer and the fact that we sell around 200 patches each month, you can appreciate that keeping a large quantity of each model and size in stock would be exceedingly difficult. Keep in mind that “working” days excludes weekends and holidays.

 

I DON'T SEE THE COLOR I WANT IN THE ULTRASUEDE MODELS? CAN I ORDER A COLOR OTHER THAN WHAT YOU LIST?

Ultrasuede material comes in a multitude of colors and prints. If you'd like to make a bold statement with a purple, bright red or animal print we may be able to accomodate. However, colors not listed may take an additional week to process and there is a minimum order of three patches in the same color.

 

CAN YOU MAKE ME AN EYE PATCH TO MY UNIQUE SPECIFICATIONS?

In some cases we can. However, the styles and shapes we offer have all been tested for comfort and wearability and have "stood the test of time". We have had occasional requests for a particular eye patch style worn by a cartoon type character and what works on a single dimentional drawing does not wear well on a real face. If you can send us a sketch we'll let you know if the design is feasible. Any custom order must be paid by check or money order and absolutely no exchange or refund will be offered.

 

WHAT IF I NEED AN EYE PATCH IMMEDIATELY?

We offer a quality ready-made large (mens) and small (women / child) sized “Temporary” eye patch made of either black or tan plastic material and held by an elastic band. These are generally shipped within 48 hours of ordering.

 

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SIZE?

Keep in mind our custom eye patches are sized substantially smaller than drug store variety patches. In most instances the large size suits most men, the medium most women and small is made for children under the age of 12. Our sizing is measured by width (horizontal) by height (vertical) and are generally as follows:

 

Ultrasuede, Traditional and Half Oval leather models:

XL= 90mm X 55mm

Large= 80mm X 50mm

Medium= 75mm X 45mm

Small= 70mm X 40mm

 

Streamline and Triangular Models:

XL= 90mm X 45mm

Large= 80mm X 42mm

Medium= 75mm X 40mm

Small= 70mm X 37mm

 

DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS

Based on the nature of our product we are unable to accept returns. On rare occasions we may, at our sole discreetion, exchange an unused patch for a different size. Any consideration for exchange must be pre-approved by email. Therefore, please order carefully.

 

MY EYE PATCH CAME WITH TWO LITTLE RINGS – WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

Many customers choose to simply tie the band with the proper tension, however we include two “O” rings with each eye patch as an option for installing on the bands. The rings can be either hand sewn or glued (using a fabric glue) and provide an extra element of adjustment.  To install the rings

(1). Determine the right tension and mark the bands at the back center of the head.

(2). On the band opposite of the eye covered slip the rings over the band and tack in place with a needle/thread or fabric glue to secure them.

(3). Run the opposing band through both rings, over the inside ring and under the outside ring.

 

ARE YOUR EYE PATCHES SUITABLE FOR MY CONDITION?

We make our eye patches primarily as a cosmetic cover for a damaged or missing eye and do not warrant, nor can we recommend, our product for any specific medical use or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional if you have any doubts that an eye patch is appropriate for your condition.

 

ARE YOUR EYE PATCHES CURVED TO ALLOW EYELID MOVEMENT?

All our models are made concave and if worn properly should allow eyelid movement in most people. However, each person is different and we cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to open and close the covered eye unimpeded. If your eyelids “rub” we recommend using a gauze eye pad to hold the eye gently closed while patched.

 

WILL THE EYE PATCH BLOCK ALL LIGHT FROM A PHOTOPHOBIC EYE?

The Summer Mesh model will not block all light. However, leather and ultrasuede model eye patches are curved and pliable (the Ultrasuedes more so than the leather models) but based on the variety of facial shapes 100% light blocking cannot be guaranteed. If complete light blocking is desired we recommend the ultrasuede models, as they seem to conform better. As an option we also recommend using a gauze pad to keep the covered eye gently closed. 

 

HOW DO I CLEAN MY EYE PATCH

Ultrasuede models can be hand or machine washed (gentle cycle) repeatedly. For leather models we recommend using an alcohol wipe on the foam lining only and allowing it to completely dry before reuse.

 

HOW LONG DO YOUR EYE PATCHES LAST?

With proper care and cleaning we recommend no more than six months of daily use for the ultrasuede and three month for the leather models, although many customers have reported much longer service.

 

CAN YOUR EYE PATCHES BE WORN UNDER EYEGLASSES?

This is a common question for which there is no definitive answer. It will depend on the style of the frames and position of the nose pads. Most glasses can be adjusted by an optician to work with our patches, but not all. The streamline model has had the best results when used in conjunction with eyeglasses.

 

I HAVE UNDERGONE AN ENUCLEATION, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD CONSIDER?

Although it is generally not considered medically necessary, most patients who have had an eye surgically removed will choose to wear an eye patch in the weeks or months preceding their prosthesis fitting. Alternately some prefer the comfort and appearance of an eye patch instead of wearing an artificial eye.

Post enucleation or evisceration patients using our eye patches will initially need to pay extra attention to hygiene to avoid complications such as infection. We highly recommend ordering two eye patches so that they may be cleaned and rotated daily. Initial tenderness around the socket makes the Ultrasuede model a better choice for the weeks following surgery, but the leather models can be comfortably worn after initial healing. After enucleation surgery you may also want to consider our new  "Summer Mesh" eye patch, which allows air to circulate around the socket. This is an option especially for those in hot climates.We also recommend the use of a sterile gauze pad under the eye patch while ointments or drops are being used in order to help keep the eye patch clean.

Remember that an eye patch is not a substitute for the conformer fitted after your enucleation surgery and you should wear your conformer as directed by your surgeon or Occularist. 

 

CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY INFORMATION OR SUPPORT SERVICES THAT CAN HELP ME AFTER LOOSING AN EYE?

We can recommend LOSTEYE.COM as a good website for support and useful information.

 

A great little book called A SINGULAR VIEW is virtually a manual for the newly monocular and is highly recommend for those facing the loss of an eye.