The UK's optometry bodies are going green together

A group of key UK optical bodies representing practitioners, practice owners and suppliers have united to release a statement of intent for long-term environmental sustainability.

The group includes The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM), The Association of Optometrists (AOP), The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA), SightCare and The College of Optometrists. Their statement outlines the priorities for the optical sector being reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste and developing sustainable practices.

Noting the UK’s commitment to a 78% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 (compared to 1990), the bodies said the optical sector will uphold that target by supporting their members and reviewing their own activities to stimulate rigorous and immediate action.

“All aspects of the industry must do their part to take vital action on environmental sustainability. We’re pleased to be part of this group and to be looking at the critical steps to reduce waste and improve sustainability to support our members, and the wider profession, to set and reach tangible goals,” said AOP chief executive Adam Sampson in the statement.

“We are thrilled to see organisations from across the profession collaborating on such an important and pressing issue. The climate crisis will impact us all, and we’re committed to working with key optical bodies and our members to make a real difference,” added Colin Davidson, president of The College of Optometrists.

For more, see www.eyeonoptics.co.nz/articles/archive/the-glasses-always-greener and www.eyeonoptics.co.nz/articles/archive/how-disposable-are-disposable-contact-lenses