New Zealand ophthalmologists' opinions and behaviours on climate, carbon and sustainability

Abstract

Importance: Ophthalmology faces imperatives to improve sustainability, but there is uncertainty about how to respond. Background: We sought New Zealand ophthalmologists' opinions on climate change, sustainability and the role of ophthalmologists in responding to these issues, as well as information on the extent that ophthalmology practices are acting on sustainability.Design: Anonymous online survey of New Zealand fellows and trainees (178) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) was conducted. Participants: Forty-seven respondents (response rate 26%) were included in the study. Methods: Respondents were asked their level of agreement with statements on climate, health and sustainability and invited to comment. Current sustainability activities were collected from clinical leaders and directors of hospital departments and private practices.Main Outcome Measure: Distribution of agreement scores was the main outcome measure.Results: Agreement with mainstream positions on climate change was as expected. A minority of up to 19% expressed the opinion that climate change was not due to human activity, and did not require mitigation. Younger ophthalmologists tended to have greater agreement with the need for broad-based political action on climate mitigation than those aged over 50 years. Most practices had room to improve on reducing waste, travel and carbon footprints. Conclusions andRelevance: The majority of New Zealand ophthalmologists are concerned about anthropogenic climate change. Currently, sustainability is not a performance indicator for New Zealand district health boards, so there is limited incentive to drive improvements. These data form a reference point to compare future opinions and ophthalmology carbon footprinting. K E Y W O R D S carbon footprint, climate change, greenhouse gas, ophthalmologist, sustainability, waste

How does the optometry profession move up a gear to tackle the problem of climate change?

“…It could be considered that in a profession with a strong science foundation it is surprising that more than 10% of the optometric profession in Wales did not agree with the statements “Climate change is a significant issue and action should be taken to mitigate it” and “Climate change due to carbon emission from human activity is an urgent issue”. However, this is similar to findings from two other very similar recent surveys of ophthalmologists 8,9 . They found that it tended to be the older members of the profession that responded in this way.…”

“…In August 2021, a Microsoft Office (Microsoft.com) survey, based on one used by ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand, 8,9 was adapted for the optometric workforce and sent in an email cascade by Optometry Wales, to optometrists and dispensing opticians in Wales (about 800). It made 10 statements ( Figure ), and asked respondents to strongly agree, agree, remain neutral, disagree, strongly disagree or opt out of reacting.…”

Can United States Healthcare Become Environmentally Sustainable? Towards Green Healthcare Reform

“…90 Obstetrician/gynecologists 91 and ophthalmologists exhibit similar concerns. 92 The concept of moral distress has generally been applied to end-of-life care, 93 but it is also relevant for compulsory participation in unsustainable health care practices. 94 Green initiatives may be an attempt to counteract environmental distress.…”

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2019: More Safety at the Expense of More Medical Waste

“…9 , 10 Surveys conducted before the COVID-19 outbreak suggest that ophthalmologists in New Zealand and the United States are concerned about climate change and the physical waste generated while providing ophthalmic care. 11 , 12 US ophthalmologists are interested in implementing more resource-efficient practices with supplies and pharmaceuticals, but they feel impeded from enacting them because of liability concerns, regulatory restrictions, and manufacturer instructions for use. 12 …”