Abstract
Environmental considerations and other resource constraints make it impossible for the current cataract surgical practices of high-income countries to be continued far into the future. The evidence to support the need for change and the opportunities for change are presented. Individual ophthalmologists can adapt their practice to make it more sustainable, but systemic shifts in attitudes and practices will be needed nationally and internationally to transform our cataract services into those which can be continued in perpetuity. In particular, policies that are ostensibly designed to promote safety, end up putting patients at risk as they increase the per-case carbon footprint of one of the earth’s most frequently undertaken surgical procedure.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Cataract Surgery |
Subtitle of host publication | Pearls and Techniques |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 227-240 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783030382346 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783030382339 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2021 |
Keywords
- Carbon
- Cataract
- Environment
- Life cycle assessment
- Patient safety
- Sustainability
- Sustainable healthcare
- Triple bottom line
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine