Disney Pixar’s newest animated film, Elio, has made waves for its colourful intergalactic story – and its quietly powerful representation of difference. The main character, Elio, is sparking discussions among both parents and eye care professionals about the patch he wears over his eye.
While Disney hasn’t officially explained the character’s medical background, the portrayal has opened up important conversations about childhood vision problems and the signs families should look out for.
Elio’s patch is widely believed to reflect a common form of treatment for amblyopia, more commonly known as lazy eye. Around 2-3% of all children develop lazy eye when they are a few years old.
Patching is used as part of occlusion therapy. This is where the stronger eye is covered to stimulate vision to develop in the lazy eye, by enabling the child to use their weaker eye more. By including this detail, Disney appears to be normalising a very real part of many children’s lives, helping young viewers feel seen and represented on screen.
Amblyopia happens when vision doesn’t develop properly in one eye, usually because the brain starts to favour the other eye. The weaker eye is effectively ‘switched off’, which can lead to long-term visual impairment if not treated early.
Causes include:
Although amblyopia is the most likely explanation, an eyepatch may also be used to manage or recover from other childhood eye issues, such as:
Early diagnosis is vital – children often don’t realise they have a problem with their vision, especially if one eye sees well. Signs for parents and carers to look out for include:
If caught early – ideally before age seven – amblyopia and similar conditions can often be corrected with straightforward treatment:
The College of Optometrists recommends taking children for regular eye tests from the age of three to four years every one to two years, unless advised otherwise by your optometrist. This is to ensure vision and eye conditions can be detected and treated as early as possible.
By showing a young protagonist with an eyepatch, Elio offers quiet support for children undergoing treatment – helping to normalise and celebrate differences. It’s a reminder that eye conditions are nothing to hide, and that early support can make all the difference.
