Optical Express collaborated with environmental charities Ocean Generation and Marine Conservation Society as part of activities to support World Ocean Day on June 8.
A donation of £10,000 was fundraised for Ocean Generation through contributions from UK and Irish optometrists and pre-reg optometrists that received free laser eye and lens replacement surgery as part of an Optical Express campaign aimed at highlighting the environmental benefits of vision correction surgery compared to alternative solutions.
Meanwhile, Glasgow-based Optical Express volunteers worked alongside the Marine Conservation Society to clean up litter from Troon South Beach between June 10-11.
Optical Express founder and CEO David Moulsdale said: ‘In eye care, the environmental impact of our industry is often overlooked, but Optical Express wants to lead the decarbonisation of the industry and make it fully sustainable.
'The economic and health benefits of vision correction surgery are already obvious, but patients should also be aware of how their eye care solutions impact the environment. As Ocean Generation knows, for both patients and professionals, education will be key to helping people make more sustainable choices.'
He added: ‘We were delighted to take part in the beach clean-up at Troon. Being a local business, we see the effects first-hand of what impact waste can have on our Oceans here in Scotland.’
Jo Ruxton, founder of Ocean Generation, commented: ‘Everyone involved in eye care should understand what happens to glasses at the end of their life, and what happens to contact lenses.
‘People should be made very much aware of where those lenses should be disposed of, and the alternatives solutions that are available. There are so many people who don’t realise they’re harming the environment, and that’s one message that could be given out in all eye clinics.’