Eyeworld

AUGUST 2020 | EYEWORLD | 19 full by more than 1,300 respondents, the major- ity of whom practiced in the U.S. (86%). Most respondents (70%) had been in practice for at least 10 years and operated in ASCs (61%). Here is just a sampling of some of the survey's findings regarding physician and OR staff attitudes on cataract surgery waste and its environmental impact: • 91% said they were concerned about global warming and climate change. • 68% think there is "far too much" cataract surgery waste, compared to 5% who think the amount is appropriate for the procedure. • 79% prefer reusable over disposable instru- ments, assuming comparable cost. Cathleen McCabe, MD, said it's been stated that surgeons and patients prefer disposable, single-use supplies, but this survey contradicts that statement. "When 96% of respondents are in agree- ment that a change is needed, industry and legislative bodies may be compelled to take action. In my experience, waste considerations and carbon footprint are increasingly expressed concerns of my patients as well," Dr. McCabe said. The OICS Task Force developed a 23-ques- tion survey for cataract surgeons as well as a parallel, nearly identical survey for OR adminis- trators and nurses. The survey was completed in A SCRS' Executive Committee voted to join the Medical Society Consortium on Cli- mate & Health, which seeks to increase public awareness on how climate change can adversely impact public health. "Along with AAO, ASCRS has joined 27 other medical societies to help the initiatives of this consortium in understanding the health risks of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions," said ASCRS President Terry Kim, MD. "As an ophthalmic society, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic, we want to do everything we can for our patients and members to maximize the safety of our clinic and operating room environments, which includes climate-related solutions." ASCRS joins the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health The consortium's main messages, as posted on its website, are as follows: • Climate change is harming Amer- icans today and these harms will increase unless we act; • The way to slow or stop these harms is to decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency and use of clean energy sources; and • These changes in energy choices will improve the quality of our air and water and bring immediate health benefits. The consortium holds that members of medical societies "have an important opportunity to weigh in to help ensure that the health risks of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions, especially clean energy, are clearly understood." David Chang, MD, chair of the ASCRS Foundation and a member of the ASCRS Executive Commit- tee, said members of ASCRS can get involved with consortium initiatives, sign up for educational webinars, and even receive direction if they wanted to be a legislative advocate in upcom- ing elections. "I think it's nice that there is a resource for ophthalmologists who are personally interested in the issue of climate change and who might be interested in learning about the specif- ic public health effects," he said. Dr. Chang said he thinks physi- cians, who are by definition scientists, with their ability to speak to public health have credibility to lead the charge on climate change from a healthcare standpoint. Learn more about the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health at medsocietiesforclimate- health.org. continued on page 20

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