The Story of Patch Pals

Where It All Began

In 1997, Cathy Thompson launched Patch Pals out of love for her daughter Mackenzie, who had been diagnosed with severe amblyopia at just 3 years old. Daily patching was a battle — tears, resistance, and frustration were a constant. So Cathy did what moms do: she got creative. She sewed cloth patches that fit over Mackenzie’s glasses and decorated them with fun animal characters. Suddenly, the morning question changed from “Why do I have to wear a patch?” to “Which patch should I wear today?”

Mackenzie’s friends wanted one too. Her ophthalmologist asked Cathy to sell them at his eye center. And just like that, Patch Pals was born.

Built on Real Experience

Cathy brought her B.A. in Psychology and years as an elementary school teacher to everything she created — patches, activities, reward calendars, coloring sheets, and the Patch Pals Club — all designed to attach positive feelings to patching and improve compliance. Her approach was simple: if patching feels fun and special, kids will do it.

Mackenzie patched for five years, improving her vision from 20/400 to 20/30. On the day she got her contacts, she turned to Cathy and said thank you. That moment says everything about why Patch Pals exists.

A New Chapter

I’m Cori, and I’ve been part of the Patch Pals family for over 15 years. I’ve watched this brand grow, seen the impact it has on families navigating the patching journey, and I’m honored that Cathy has trusted me to carry it forward as she steps into a well-earned retirement.

The mission hasn’t changed. Every patch we ship — to kids in living rooms, classrooms, and doctor’s offices around the world — is still designed to make a hard thing a little easier and a lot more fun.

Thank you for being part of the Patch Pals Club. We’re so glad you’re here.

— Cori Kahle