Presentation type | E-poster |
Title | Results of the survey on sustainability in eyecare among Belgian ophthalmologists; current measures and future opportunities |
Purpose | To organize a poll on the current views on sustainability among Belgian ophthalmologist to create awareness on this issue. How important is sustainability among Belgian ophthalmologist professional environment, what measures are taking already, what measures could they take in the future and who are they looking at to make a change in the way they work? |
Methods | A survey was sent by email to all Belgian ophthalmologist, the survey was anonymous, reminders to complete the survey were send by professional societies. 219 respondents completed the survey. |
Results | Most of the respondents see climate change as a serious and urgent problem that can affect our current quality of life. Most of the respondents think healthcare is partly responsible for climate change, they agree there is too much wasted and is willing to make changes to reduce waste production. Fear of problems with regulations might be a hurdle to overcome. Most of the respondents already sort and recycle their waste, rather uses multidose instead of unidose eyedrops and uses reusable instead of single use instruments. Many suggestions were made to make ophthalmology more sustainable. The initiatives from hospital direction, industry and professional societies to make ophthalmology more sustainable are considered weak. |
Conclusion | Climate change is considered an urgent and serious problem that will affect the way we live and work. Changes will be necessary, many suggestions are made to make ophthalmology more sustainable and if all the actors involved do their part, a bright future is possible. |
Conflict of interest | No |
Last name | VERMORGEN |
Initials | K |
Department | UZ Gent |
City | Gent |