Sustainability in Ophthalmology

The Academy has committed to reducing the carbon footprint and making ophthalmology more sustainable for the future by forging strategic partnerships, advocating to policymakers and creating awareness.

What We're Doing

• The Academy joined the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health in 2020, whose mission is to mobilize and amplify the voices of U.S. doctors for equitable climate solutions to protect and promote the health of all people. This consortium has launched or strengthened clinicians for climate action groups in 20 states, developed a policy action agenda for climate, health and equity and created a fellowship program for developing leaders.
• The Academy joined EyeSustain as a sponsoring society in 2022 along with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. The mission of EyeSustain, which has 40 global member societies, is to make care delivery more sustainable, both economically and environmentally.
• The Academy is educating and making members aware of opportunities to reduce waste in their everyday clinical practice, as well as advocating for climate-friendly regulations and legislation.
• In 2023, the Academy initiated a Task Force on Sustainability led by Jeff Pettey, MD. It engages Academy members and policymakers through education and advocacy activities. Additional task force members include Sila Bal, MD, MaryBeth Farazdaghi, MD, Aaki Garg, MD, Malik Kahook, MD, Darby Miller, MD, Emily Schehlein, MD, and Nathan Scott, MD. 

What You and Your Practice Can Do

• MyGreenDoctor.org, which the Academy participates in as a professional society, provides practice management resources for clinics, offices and outpatient surgical centers on environmental sustainability and climate change. Academy members can access all materials for free.
• Review the rich library of resources on EyeSustain.org. Ophthalmologists and their facilities can take a pledge to reduce ophthalmic surgical waste.
• Learn more about getting involved with Academy advocacy efforts.