The Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology (SPO) is launching the EyeImpact project, an initiative dedicated to assessing and promoting sustainability in cataract surgery in Portugal. Recognizing the environmental impact associated with surgical procedures, the SPO seeks to identify concrete opportunities to reduce waste, optimize resources, and adopt less polluting options, while always maintaining patient safety and the quality of care.
Over the course of 6 weeks, department heads and/or unit coordinators who perform cataract surgery will receive an online survey that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. This questionnaire requests information on the annual number of surgeries, the composition of the cataract kit (single-use and reusable instruments), and the sustainability and waste management policies in place in the operating room.
The data collected will provide a national overview of current practices and support the development of a sustainability index specifically for cataract surgery. With this information, the SPO aims to identify best practices, propose improvements, and support services in the transition toward a more sustainable ophthalmology, in line with global health and environmental challenges.
Participation from healthcare facilities is essential to the success of EyeImpact. Every response helps build solid knowledge and practical guidelines that benefit patients, healthcare professionals, and the planet alike.
