What is EyeSustain?

The SPO presents EyeSustain, a global coalition of ophthalmic societies, organizations and ophthalmologists collaborating to make eye care and eye surgery more sustainable. EyeSustain's mission is:

1. Engage, connect and educate the global community of ophthalmologists about more sustainable practices.
2. Supporting research and innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of ophthalmology.
3. Collaborating with industry to reduce the carbon footprint and surgical waste.
4. Working together with other medical specialties to reduce the carbon footprint associated with healthcare systems.
5. Promote awareness and education on the impact of climate change on public health.

EyeSustain is chaired by Dr. David Chang and co-sponsored by 3 leading societies - AAO, ASCRS and ESCRS - which cover the ongoing costs of the EyeSustain website and app. In 2023 EyeSustain formed the EyeSustain Global Council, a committee of 48 global ophthalmic societies, chaired by Drs. Oliver Findl (Austria) and Diana Silva (Portugal). Each member society made a commitment to EyeSustain's mission and elected two representatives. The SPO has been a member of the Global Council since 2023 and its representatives are Drs. Isabel Prieto and Diana Silva. The representatives of each society are listed here: EyeSustain Member Societies

Unnecessary waste in surgery and the sustainability of cataract surgery are crucial issues. A 2019 report by Health Care Without Harm estimated that the health sector is responsible for 4.4% of all global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 10% of emissions in the United States. A large part of these emissions come from the manufacture, use and disposal of medical devices.

Ophthalmology, as a specialty with a high surgical volume, can play a fundamental role in healthcare sustainability. Studies comparing endophthalmitis rates at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS Registry and at Aravind Eye Hospital in India, where it is common practice to resterilize materials, suggest that some of our surgical waste may be excessive and unnecessary. In addition, studies of European (ESCRS) and North American (ASCRS, AAO, OOSS and COS) cataract surgeons show strong agreement on the need to reduce waste through various measures. This message should be taken on board by manufacturers, hospitals and regulatory bodies that establish policies for operating theatres.

On the EyeSustain website, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses and members of the industry can find various articles and resources aimed at educating them on this subject.