Did you know 15th May is National Eye Patch Day?
By Fiona Watkins, Digital Resources and Collections Manager
Neither did I until 2024 when I was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma. It started with a blurry eye and a GP appointment and unfortunately ended with a rare cancer diagnosis (approximately 750 people are diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma in the UK each year1). I learnt a lot about Ocular Melanoma very quickly and have been supported from the start by Ocular Melanoma UK, along with my friends and colleagues at UON. I discovered that Ocular Melanoma UK celebrate Eye Patch Day on the 15th May each year as an awareness and fundraising opportunity and wanted to do something to help give back to the charity who have been so helpful for my family and me.
On the 15th May I am therefore following on from my participation, and successes, in the UON Bake Off and holding a bake sale to raise funds for the charity. I will be bringing cake slices, fairy cakes, biscuits, and fudge galore, some of which will be eye themed and I’m also making sure to include some Gluten-Free and Vegan options. I am, therefore, begging you to come to the Learning Hub Foyer, under the big screens, between 10am and 2pm on the 15th May (yes, a Friday on campus can be good for you!). I’ll be accepting cash and have also set up a Just Giving page where cashless donations are possible!
I’ll also have some eye patches available should anyone like to see what having monocular vision feels like and/or to take a selfie for social media to promote the importance of regular eye tests. something that can aid early detection of all kinds of eye issues not just Ocular Melanoma.
Please come along and help support the only UK charity supporting people with Ocular Melanoma and their families.