Optical bodies collaborate for sustainability in optics

Membership organisations across optometry have released a joint statement of intent regarding environmental sustainability, with bodies representing practitioners, practice owners and suppliers supporting the aims.

The collaborative statement of intent illustrates the aims for the profession and industry in long-term environmental sustainability.

The biggest priorities for the sector identified by the optical bodies include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, and developing sustainable ways of practice.

“Optical bodies will join together to help inform, educate and support their members, and review their own activities, in order to stimulate rigorous and immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the optical sector,” the statement reads.

These actions aim to reduce emissions in line with the UK target of lowering emissions by 78% by 2035. 

“We will also develop targets to reduce waste, develop sustainable ways of practice, and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world,” the statement concludes.

Releasing the statement, organisations across optometry welcomed the move, and the cross-sector work to support sustainability.

Commenting on the collaboration, AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, said: “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,” he continued.

Jo Holmes, president of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, shared: “It’s fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to work to a common aim, to support all the members across the sectors of our profession in working towards sustainability.”

Welcoming the collaboration, president of The College of Optometrists, Colin Davidson, added: “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.”

Similarly, SightCare chief executive, John French, said the organisation was excited to be part of supporting the optical sector “play its part in reducing waste and creating a more sustainable business culture.”

Highlighting that a joint-effort is needed to tackle sustainability issues, Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive officer of the BCLA, recognised: “No matter which part of the profession we are working in, we all have an important part to play.”

From an industry perspective, Optical Suppliers Association chairman, Dr Andy Hepworth, agreed: “unquestionably there is strength in the engagement from across the whole optical sector.”

Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers secretary general, Simon Rodwell, highlighted that the association’s contact lens manufacturers are committed to “achieving long-tern environmental sustainability, as well as supporting practitioners and wearers to do the same.”