Sustainability in contact lenses to be explored in webinar

Sustainability in contact lenses to be explored in webinar

An upcoming BCLA webinar will examine the issue of sustainability in contact lenses, giving insights from the perspective of both patients and manufacturers.

Presented by Aldo Zucaro and Sarah Smith, the hour-long webinar will take place from 7pm on Wednesday, 5 June.

Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive of the BCLA, said: “Contact lenses offer a safe and convenient form of vision correction, but some wearers may question the environmental impact of contact lens wear.

“It’s an important discussion to have as the sector works to improve its eco credentials. This webinar will share insights from contact lens wearers about their attitude to environmental concerns. We will also hear a manufacturer’s view on sustainability and the actions being taken to address the challenges of the green agenda.”

Figures relating to the amount of waste generated and the opportunities for responsible disposal will be reported during the session while the opportunities for practitioners to promote and share positive messages around sustainability will also be explored.

The webinar will also look to the future, exploring work to develop plant-based plastics and how that can be applied in the world of contact lenses.

Aldo Zucaro is a senior director at CooperCompanies, focusing on environmental and social responsibility. Aldo brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in driving strategic initiatives that integrate sustainability principles, environmental stewardship, and innovation into the fabric of organisations. With a focus on uncovering insights through rigorous research and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making, Aldo is committed to driving positive change while delivering measurable results.

Sarah Smith is a research optometrist with Eurolens Research at The University of Manchester. In this role, she is closely involved with the planning and delivery of clinical studies related to the clinical performance of soft contact lenses. Sarah was awarded her BCLA fellowship in 2021 and also acts as an assessor with the College of Optometrists.

The event is open to all and one CPD point will also be available to all that are eligible to receive.

To register for the session, or to sign up to become a BCLA member, visit www.bcla.org.uk. You will be redirected to Zoom to complete your webinar registration. If you need help with your registration, please contact events@bcla.org.uk.