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.
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.
Harjit Sandhu, Managing Director at FODO
The joint statement, released on 3rd March, stated: “The top sustainability priorities for the optical sector are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce waste and develop sustainable ways of practice.”
Luke Stevens-Burt, Chief Executive Officer of the BCLA, said: “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.”
The statement continued: “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 said: “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."
