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Sustainable Optometry Practices: A Vision for a Greener Future

by | Feb 1, 2025 | Guest Column, Manuscripts | 0 comments

Mayuri Deka, M.Optom

Assistant Professor, Kaziranga University, Jorhat, India

 

As climate change and environmental degradation continue to impact our planet, the healthcare sector, including Optometry, is stepping up to embrace sustainable practices. Optometry has a unique opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint by adopting eco-friendly measures across its operations, from eyewear production to patient care. Sustainable optometry is not just a trend—it is a responsibility that aligns patient care with environmental stewardship.

The Environmental Challenges in Optometry

Like other healthcare sectors, optometry contributes to environmental issues in several ways:

  1. Eyewear Waste:
    • Millions of glasses, contact lenses are discarded annually, contributing to landfill waste.
    • Plastic packaging for lenses, solutions often cannot be recycled easily.
  2. Energy Consumption:
    • Optometry practices rely on energy-intensive equipment like diagnostic devices, lab tools.
    • Traditional lighting ,HVAC systems in clinics increase carbon emissions.
  3. Packaging and Supply Chains:
    • Excessive use of single-use plastics, packaging materials is common in optical products.
    • Long, global supply chains increase carbon footprints.
  4. Chemical Pollution:
    • Certain chemicals used in lens production, eye drops can harm aquatic ecosystems when improperly disposed of. (1)

Sustainable Practices in Optometry

Some actionable steps for making Optometry practices more sustainable:

  1. Eco-Friendly Eyewear:
    • Sustainable Materials: Introduce glasses made from biodegradable or recycled materials, such as plant-based acetate, bamboo, or recycled metals.
    • Durable Designs: Promote high-quality frames that are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
    • Recycling Programs: Partner with organisations to recycle old glasses and distribute them to underserved communities.
  2. Contact Lens Recycling:
    • Encourage patients to recycle used contact lenses and blister packs through programs like TerraCycle.
    • Switch to brands that offer biodegradable or reusable packaging for contact lenses and solutions.
  3. Energy Efficiency:
    • Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs in clinics, offices.
    • Transition to solar or wind energy sources where possible.
    • Invest in diagnostic devices and lab tools that use less energy without compromising performance.
  4. Sustainable Packaging:
    • Work with suppliers to reduce excessive packaging.
    • Advocate for refillable eye drop bottles and solutions to minimise waste.
    • Select biodegradable or compostable packaging for in-house product sales.
  5. Digital and Paperless Solutions:
    • Use digital records, e-prescriptions to eliminate the need for paper.
    • Offer patients electronic receipts, reminders to reduce paper consumption.
  6. Greener Operations:
    • Implement water-saving measures in labs and cleaning processes.
    • Use eco-friendly cleaning products for equipment and facilities.
    • Educate staff on sustainability practices and encourage carpooling or the use of public transport.
  7. Patient Education:
    • Educate patients about the importance of sustainability in optometry.
    • Offer information on proper disposal of contact lenses, eye care products.
    • Encourage them to choose sustainable eyewear options. (2)

Figure 1 : Left: Sustainable glasses. Right :Blister packs of contact lenses  for sustainability

The Role of Manufacturers – Suppliers

Optometry practices alone cannot drive change; manufacturers-suppliers must also adopt  sustainable practices:

  1. Green Manufacturing:
    • Reduce water, energy usage during lens and frame production.
    • Limitation of harmful chemicals, switch to eco-friendly alternatives.
  2. Sustainable Distribution:
    • Use carbon-neutral shipping methods.
    • Localised production to minimise transportation emissions.
  3. Innovation in Materials:
    • Invest in research for biodegradable, lightweight, and durable materials for lenses and frames. (3)

Case Studies and Success Stories

Several optometry practices and companies are leading the way in sustainability:

  • Eco Eyewear: A brand that creates stylish glasses using recycled materials and plants trees for every purchase.
  • Bausch + Lomb: Offers contact lens recycling programs to reduce waste.
  • Independent Practices: Many clinics are switching to paperless systems and installing solar panels to reduce energy usage. (3)

Benefits of Sustainable Optometry

  • Environmental Impact: Reduced waste, lower carbon emissions,minimised resource depletion.
  • Brand Reputation: Eco-conscious patients appreciate practices that prioritise sustainability, enhancing patient loyalty.
  • Cost Savings: Energy-efficient systems and reduced waste can lead to significant cost reductions in the long run.
  • Healthier Communities: Recycling programs, donations can improve access to vision care in underserved regions. (2,3)

Sustainable Optometry-Future

Sustainability in optometry is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires collaboration among optometrists, manufacturers, suppliers, and patients to make meaningful progress. As technology advances, we can expect more eco-friendly materials, better recycling infrastructure, and energy- efficient innovations to shape the industry.

Conclusion

Sustainable optometry is a necessary shift that balances high-quality patient care with environmental responsibility. By adopting greener practices, the optometry community can contribute to a healthier planet while setting an example for other healthcare sectors. The journey toward sustainability begins with small, intentional steps that collectively create a significant impact—ensuring that the future of optometry is not just clear but also green.

 

References

  1. “Sustainability in Optometry” by Optician Online https://www.opticianonline.net/content/podcast/sustainability-the-optical-industry-response [Last accessed: 4th Dec 2024; 18:45AEDT]
  2. Vision Council Report: The Environmental Impact of Eyewear The Vision Council Shines Light on Protecting Sight – and Health – in a Multi-screen Era | The Vision Council
  3. Sustainable Practices in Healthcare: A Global Perspective Sustainability in Healthcare: Perspectives and Reflections Regarding Laboratory Medicine – PMC

 

 

 

 

Author:-

 

Mrs. Mayuri Deka,  has completed M. Optom. and has an extensive experience in the field of Optometry education and works relentless towards the growth of Optometry in the Northeast of India. She also organizes multiple free screening camps and awareness camps for blinding diseases in the remote locations of Assam and surrounding. She worked as  an Assistant professor, and  Academic In charge in Ridley College of Optometry for almost more than a decade in Jorhat district, Assam, India. Currently she is associated with the School of Health Sciences, Kaziranga, University, Jorhat, Assam in the role of an Assistant Professor.

 

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