Bali Conversations: Optometry’s Role In Environmental Sustainability – Dr. Evelyn Lo

Defocus Media Podcast Network

As sustainability takes center stage across industries, the optometry field is increasingly under the spotlight for its environmental impact, particularly in the use of contact lenses. This pressing issue was the focus of a recent episode of the 2020 Podcast, where Dr. Harbir Sian engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Evelyn Lo, president of the BC Doctors of Optometry. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bali, Indonesia, the episode explored how optometry can lead the charge in reducing its environmental footprint while simultaneously promoting healthier communities worldwide.

The Significance of Sustainability in Optometry

The conversation began with Dr. Sian highlighting the growing focus on sustainability within the eye care industry, particularly in the context of contact lens manufacturing and usage. The waste generated by daily disposables and the overall carbon footprint of contact lenses have raised concerns among both practitioners and patients.

Dr. Lo emphasized that while sustainability is often associated with environmental impact, it extends beyond that. “When we’re talking about sustainability, we’re not just talking about the environment,” Dr. Lo explained. “If there’s a healthy planet, there are going to be healthy people and healthy communities. These elements are interconnected, and the greatest benefit comes when they are addressed together.”

CooperVision’s Commitment to Sustainability

A significant part of the episode focused on CooperVision’s sustainability initiatives, particularly their partnership with Plastic Bank, a social enterprise that aims to reduce plastic waste while improving the lives of those who collect it. Dr. Lo and Dr. Sian discussed their hands-on experience in Bali, where they participated in activities such as cleaning up mangroves, learning about the plastic collection process, and interacting with local communities involved in these efforts.

Dr. Lo praised CooperVision’s holistic approach, which not only focuses on reducing environmental impact but also on social responsibility. “It’s not just about picking trash out of the ocean,” Dr. Lo noted. “It’s about supporting the communities who are on the front lines of these sustainability efforts. This partnership is a great example of how corporate initiatives can have a far-reaching positive impact.”

The Environmental Impact of Contact Lenses

One of the key takeaways from the episode was the discussion around the environmental impact of different types of contact lenses. A common assumption is that daily disposable lenses are more harmful to the environment due to the sheer volume of waste they generate compared to monthly lenses. However, Dr. Lo challenged this notion by discussing the broader carbon footprint involved in the production, packaging, and transportation of monthly lenses, including the solutions required for their maintenance.

“When you factor in the carbon footprint of producing and transporting solutions for monthly lenses, the environmental impact may not be as different as we might think,” Dr. Lo explained. This perspective underscores the importance of considering the full lifecycle of products when assessing their environmental impact.

Raising Awareness and Education

As the president of the BC Doctors of Optometry, Dr. Lo is in a unique position to influence the profession’s approach to sustainability. She highlighted the need for increased awareness and education among both practitioners and patients. “We need to do a better job of educating our patients on how to properly dispose of their contact lenses,” she said. “Around 20 percent of patients still throw their contact lenses down the drain, which can lead to the creation of microplastics that end up in our oceans and eventually in our food chain.”

Dr. Lo also mentioned that the BC Doctors of Optometry are actively working on initiatives to promote sustainability within the profession. This includes evaluating partnerships and collaborations with companies that share a commitment to sustainability.

The Broader Implications of Sustainability

The episode concluded with Dr. Lo reiterating the broader implications of sustainability within optometry. She emphasized that sustainable practices are not just about reducing waste but also about ensuring the health and well-being of communities. “Social responsibility is key,” she stated. “When we prioritize sustainability, we are not only protecting the environment but also supporting the communities that depend on it.”

Dr. Sian echoed this sentiment, noting that the work being done by CooperVision and other industry leaders sets a powerful example for the entire profession. By embracing sustainability, optometry can contribute to a healthier planet and healthier communities.

As Dr. Lo aptly put it, “If we can do all of this together in harmony, that’s when we’re going to find the greatest benefit for everybody.” The episode serves as a reminder that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a vital consideration for the future of optometry and the health of our world.