EyeSustain

Read more about the article Rethinking high-level disinfection requirements for ophthalmic devices
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Fall 2026

Rethinking high-level disinfection requirements for ophthalmic devices

Emily Schehlein, MD, EyeSustain Update Guest Editor, reviewed the article, “Current practice patterns for cleaning tonometry tips and diagnostic/laser lenses.” The survey, completed by more than 1,000 ophthalmologists, examined current cleaning practices for commonly used ophthalmic devices and highlighted important trends with implications for patient safety, sustainability, and clinical practice.

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September 29, 2026
Read more about the article Sustainable reuse of ophthalmic devices: a novel solution for reprocessing point-of-care equipment
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Summer 2026

Sustainable reuse of ophthalmic devices: a novel solution for reprocessing point-of-care equipment

Ophthalmology continues to strive to balance the goal of environmental sustainability with patient safety concerns. In this EyeSustain Update column, a glaucoma specialist/CEO of Drop Mate discussed the development and clinical implications of an automated ultraviolet irradiation system designed to enable safe reuse of ophthalmic devices.

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July 7, 2026
Read more about the article Reducing cost, waste, and carbon emissions in cataract surgery through reusable devices
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Spring 2026

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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April 7, 2026
Read more about the article Lindstrom Lecture preview: ‘Preventing Endophthalmitis – Evidence, Waste, and Regulatory Paradoxes’
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Spring 2026

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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March 24, 2026
Read more about the article Four regional multinational societies release a joint position paper on multiuse phacoemulsification supplies
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Winter 2025

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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November 3, 2025
Read more about the article Q&A with Irene Kuo, MD, on “Disinfection of outpatient ophthalmic devices: a critique of ‘semicritical’ designation”
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Fall 2025

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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September 30, 2025
Read more about the article How EyeSustain is leading education efforts in ophthalmology
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Summer 2025

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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July 22, 2025
Read more about the article Analyzing waste from IOL packaging
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Spring 2025

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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April 29, 2025
Read more about the article Culture of safety: a microbiological assessment of reusable instruments
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Winter 2024

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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December 19, 2024
Read more about the article “I’ll be joining an environmentally friendly practice”
ASCRS News / EW issues / EyeWorld articles / Fall 2024

“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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October 7, 2024