Precision meets passion in crafting our high-quality, hypoallergenic reusable eye patches. Despite being a small UK-based business, we’re the largest producer of them, and we’re proud to impact the lives of nearly 40,000 children annually.
What Sets Us Apart
Creating our reusable eye patches requires 7 completely different processes, would you believe. We use 500m of skin-friendly, breathable fabrics for every 100k eye patches, and every single one is hand-sewn with care. It’s this hand-sewing process which takes the most time, as you might imagine, constituting 80% of production costs.
A Green Approach
Our eye patches aren’t just comfortable and high quality; they’re eco-friendly too. Proudly 100% UK-made, we’ve had a low carbon footprint since 1998.
The Production Journey
Here’s a glimpse into the 7 different steps to make Kay Fun Patches and Kay Pictures reusable eye patches.
1. OEKO-TEX Certified Polyester Processing:
This involves yarn preparation, weaving, and dyeing. OEKO-TEX certified means that every component of the material has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals.
2. Pattern Printing with Precision:
Our Silk Town-based supplier in Macclesfield has over 50 years’ experience within the textile printing industry. They employ water-based inks and the eco-friendly dye sublimation method. This not only guarantees vibrant patterns but also minimizes environmental impact with zero wastewater and minimal wastage of ink and cloth.
3. Safe Bonding for Comfort:
Our eye patch material is bonded to certified safe and breathable layers. This chemical-free process ensures comfort while maintaining a longstanding tradition of textile manufacturing excellence in Lancashire.
4. Laser-Cut Precision:
Our patches take shape with meticulous laser-cutting techniques by a UK-based, family run business with over 30 years’ experience. After rigorous testing and prototyping, we landed on a winning formula for our desired finish of flat shapes, catering to different sizes of eye and glasses patches.
5. Hand-Made Elegance:
Craftsmanship reaches its pinnacle with hand-sewn detailing. Our patches are carefully folded and sewn using specialist sewing threads and elastic, all OEKO-TEX certified for safety and comfort next to the skin.
6. Seamless Eye Patch Assembly:
Following the above sewing process, our patches then undergo a seamless assembly, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also a guarantee of quality.
7. Elastic Excellence:
The final touch involves producing safe nylon and elastane elastic, dyed to match various colours, and OEKO-TEX certified. This latex-free elastic not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to our commitment to sustainability.
What our Customers Say
In a recent survey with eye professionals, we found that the top three benefits of using our reusable patches (over disposable ones) were that they’re:
- Kinder to sensitive skin
- More comfortable to wear
- More sustainable (i.e. lower carbon footprint and less waste)
In summary, in crafting our reusable eye patches we’ve woven together innovation, quality, and sustainability. With a focus on customer comfort and a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we like to think of our eye patches not just as products, but as a reflection of our dedication to making a positive impact on vision support.
Curious about our range? Explore our eye patches here.