Press release: Optical bodies collaborate to release statement of intent on the environment

A group of key optical bodies representing practitioners, practice owners and suppliers has come together to release a statement of intent with aims for the professions and industry in terms of long term environmental sustainability. The statement is as follows:

The top sustainability priorities for the optical sector are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce waste and develop 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 in line with the current UK commitment of 78 per cent by 2035 (compared to 1990).  We will also develop targets to reduce waste, develop sustainable ways of practice, and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world.

ABDO President Jo Holmes FBDO says, “It is fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to work to a common aim, to support all the members across all sectors of our profession in working towards sustainability.”

ACLM Secretary General Simon Rodwell says, “ACLM contact lens manufacturers are committed to achieving long term environmental sustainability, as well as supporting practitioners and wearers to do the same.”

AOP Chief Executive, Adam Sampson, says, “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.”

Luke Stevens-Burt, Chief Executive Officer of the BCLA says, “No matter which part of the profession we are working in, we all have an important part to play. Sustainability is a joint effort and it is important to identify and support areas that make a difference.”

President of The College of Optometrists, Colin Davidson FCOptom, says, “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.”

Harjit Sandhu, Managing Director at FODO, the association for eye care providers, says, “To meet the UK’s climate change target we all need to work together, finding new and innovative ways of working. This joint sector effort will help that happen. We encourage all members and the wider sector to get involved and let us know how we can help make change a reality.

OSA Chairman Dr. Andy Hepworth says, “It’s simply wonderful we can support such a crucial area, as unquestionably there is strength in the engagement from across the whole optical sector”.

SightCare Chief Executive John French says, “We are excited to be part of this group working towards supporting the optical sector play its part in reducing waste and creating a more sustainable business culture”.

ENDS

1. Media enquiries to Antonia Chitty, achitty@abdo.org.uk.
2. ABDO is the representative body for dispensing opticians in the UK.
3. The ACLM supports the development of the contact lens market
4. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health.
5. The BCLA brings the global contact lens and anterior eye health community together through the process of knowledge sharing, education and networking.
6. The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry and supports its members in achieving excellence throughout their careers. It champions the profession, defines best clinical practice, and enables optometrists to develop through high-quality training and qualifications. The College ensures that optometry continues to progress through research, and actively educates and advises the public.
7. FODO is the leading national association for eye care providers working in primary and community care settings.
8. The Optical Suppliers Association offers a platform for UK optical manufacturers and suppliers to communicate, educate and innovate whilst supporting and protecting their interests.
9. SightCare provides business, retail and networking support services to independent optical practice owners and their Teams.