A first-of-its-kind website has been launched by the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, to educate eye care professionals and patients about the environmental impact of contact lenses and eyewear.
Launched to mark Earth Day (April 22), the website includes customisable resources and downloadable infographics that eye care professionals can use to educate patients, a directory of recyclable programs around the world, plus a listing of green initiatives from manufacturers and industry bodies.
It also includes clear instructions for how to properly dispose of lenses to minimise environmental effects, tips on how to build sustainability into clinical practice operations and a compendium of peer-reviewed and professional publications.
Dr Lyndon Jones, director of CORE, said: ‘Practitioners and staff have the opportunity to address environmental questions as part of routine care and follow-up. SustainableEyecare.com aims to help by providing targeted education and actionable guidance in a clear, compelling way.
‘This Earth Day, we’re encouraging everyone in eye care to take another step toward protecting our planet. Society has benefitted immeasurably from contact lenses and glasses, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be mindful of their disposal.’
