Opinion Article ÓpticaPro, September 2024
Margarida Barata
Vice-President of the AASO Board
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation – Europe Programs Director
According to the Global Footprint Network, in the first seven months of the year (up to August 1st), humanity consumed all the resources that the Earth was capable of regenerating during 2024; we are now beginning to spend the reserves of 2025!...
Climate change and pollution act “side by side,” damaging the environment, causing harmful effects on the planet, affecting everyone and, in particular, individuals from low-resource communities.
Since the optical sector contributes to improving people’s visual health, at a time when consumers (especially millennials and Generation Z) show increasing concern about the human impact on the environment, it is essential that companies in this field – large and small – focus on the practical implementation of sustainable procedures towards the planet.
The main industrial operators in the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and contact lenses are already among the many companies leading environmental sustainability efforts, with numerous initiatives ranging from recycling to carbon neutrality goals (…). However, there is still a long way to go...
Looking to go further, leaders in the optical industry are working to respond to the challenge set by the UN, applying the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy, which establishes guidelines for sustainable development by combining economic growth, nature conservation, and the reduction of inequality. In summary, the ESG strategy rests on the following pillars:
E – Environmental – commitment to environmental sustainability – analysis of the energy and resources needed for the company’s operations (energy consumption, waste management, climate change and carbon emissions, etc.);
S – Social (Social Responsibility) – focus on analyzing the company’s relationships with the community in which it operates and with its employees, with particular attention to diversity and inclusion (reputation among people, institutions, labor relations, etc.);
G – Governance (Corporate Governance) – principles of sound corporate management – transparency in how the company organizes itself internally (procedures, controls, anti-corruption measures, etc.), reliability of information for decision-making, compliance with the law, and meeting the needs of external stakeholders. According to IAPMEI, at present, the ESG strategy is only mandatory for large listed companies, but it is expected to gradually extend to smaller companies.
Since they are in closer and more direct contact with consumers, small and medium-sized companies, especially in the optical sector, have decisive potential in making a positive social and environmental difference in the communities around them.
By adopting management guided by the ESG strategy, companies not only benefit the environment and the society in which they operate, but also generate significant medium- and long-term advantages for themselves:
Increased recognition of the company – a good name and reputation are two of a company’s most valuable assets.
Reduced operational costs – implementing measures such as energy efficiency and sustainable resource management will, in the medium term, lower operating expenses.
Access to investors – transparency in environmental, social, and governance practices attracts investors, who, while minimizing risks, seek to invest in sustainable companies.
Attraction and retention of talented employees – increased motivation and sense of belonging among employees who identify with the company’s way of operating, feeling that they are contributing to a better world.
Legal compliance – by adopting a proactive approach to environmental and social issues, companies can identify and mitigate risks.
Competitive differentiation and innovation – consumers report greater trust and loyalty towards companies that are environmentally and socially responsible (and may even boycott companies/brands with irresponsible practices).
Changing the world for the better – beyond focusing on profit, companies cannot survive in isolation; by committing to the well-being of the community around them, they create a positive impact in the world.
The Planet belongs to us all, and it is up to each one of us to take care of it in the best possible way! Companies, in particular, have an increased responsibility in pursuing this goal!
AASO (Association for the Support of Optical Sustainability), which develops its activities in favor of sustainability in the sector, awards the SUSTAINABILITY SEAL which, in member opticians, guarantees consumers that they are dealing with an optician committed to the CRR – Waste Collection Circle.
What is the relationship between sustainability and visual health?
Sustainability and visual health care are interrelated in complex ways. Climate change, pollution, poverty, and hunger are factors that significantly affect visual health. Financially disadvantaged populations, in most cases, have poor access to health care (particularly to eye exams). Often, due to inadequate nutrition, they may develop diseases and deficiencies at various levels, including visual health – a particularly serious situation among children. According to the WHO – World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people live in an atmosphere with pollutant levels above the recommended limits (this applies to Europe as well)!
Without replacing a consultation with visual health specialists for a technical and scientific approach to these issues, as a reminder, it should be noted that:
High temperatures and low rainfall are associated with increased infection from Trachoma (chronic conjunctivitis, already affecting 157 million people in Africa);
Exposure to toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur can cause conjunctivitis and other inflammatory diseases;
Floods and droughts that affect crops alter dietary patterns. Lower intake of vitamin A can lead to an increase in xerophthalmia (dry eyes), night blindness and/or severe conditions such as corneal ulcers...;
Increased exposure to dust and air conditioning can lead to the development or worsening of dry eye, uveitis...;
High levels of air pollution exposure can accelerate Glaucoma (Moorfields Eye Hospital – 2019) and AMD – Age-related Macular Degeneration (BMJ – Jan 2021).
Many small actions can make a big difference – place in your optical store the collection bins for glasses and contact lenses created by AASO (Association for the Support of Optical Sustainability) and encourage those around you to use them!
