Reducing cost, waste, and carbon emissions in cataract surgery through reusable devices

Stephanie Chen, MD, dove into the cost and waste reduction achieved from transitioning to a reusable phaco platform and reusable diamond knives, from her recent study published in JCRS. Dr. Chen also discussed the multisociety position paper published in JCRS advocating for access to multiuse phaco cassettes.

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Lindstrom Lecture preview: ‘Preventing Endophthalmitis – Evidence, Waste, and Regulatory Paradoxes’

The 2026 Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, Lecture will be given by David F. Chang, MD. It will be held on the ASCRS Main Stage on Sunday, April 12. Dr. Chang’s lecture will discuss what measures do and do not work to prevent ophthalmic surgical infection based on current evidence.

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Four regional multinational societies release a joint position paper on multiuse phacoemulsification supplies

David F. Chang, MD, chair of the EyeSustain Advisory Board, discussed the new position paper advocating for multiuse phacoemulsification cassettes. The position paper calls on industry to prioritize development of multiuse supply options for every phacoemulsification machine and for regulatory agencies to facilitate review and approval of these products.

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Q&A with Irene Kuo, MD, on “Disinfection of outpatient ophthalmic devices: a critique of ‘semicritical’ designation”

Many institutions insist on disposable gonioscopy lenses, B-scan ultrasound probes, and tonometry tips because the alternative is sterilization practices that are not evidence-based, may lead to device destruction, and create a massive amount of medical waste. Irene Kuo, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology at Wilmer Eye Institute, spoke about the topic.

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How EyeSustain is leading education efforts in ophthalmology

As the commitment to sustainability in eyecare grows, the importance of educating the next generation of physicians is important. Medical students, residents, and fellows must be trained on best practices for waste reduction in the field. This column outlines the ongoing efforts to educate trainees in ophthalmology.

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Analyzing waste from IOL packaging

One of the authors of the recently published study “Analysis of intraocular lens packaging weight and waste,” which highlighted the differences between packaging waste of various IOLs and their paper or e-IFUs, discussed the study and the disparities in packaging across different IOL models, identifying key opportunities for reducing waste.

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Culture of safety: a microbiological assessment of reusable instruments

In this issue’s column, the authors discussed the surgical work of ophthalmologists at Aravind Eye Hospital in India. They shared the results of the standardized protocols that include reusing devices for cataract surgery usually deemed single use in Western countries.

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“I’ll be joining an environmentally friendly practice”

In this EyeSustain Update column, a medical student discussed the environmental impact of healthcare practices and the accelerating effects of climate change. She highlighted a global prioritization of environmental sustainability in workplaces, especially medical practices, emphasizing its importance in attracting new doctors and other healthcare providers.

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SIDICS: Measuring the sustainability of cataract packs

In this issue’s EyeSustain Update column, one physician discussed the utility of the Sustainability Index for Disposables in Cataract Surgery (SIDICS) calculator developed by ESCRS. SIDICS promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, recycling initiatives, and waste reduction strategies in cataract surgery.

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