Call to Action and Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector

In 2021 the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) declared a #ClimateEmergency and released a Call to Action for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector and a Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector. The two key resources, produced by the IAPB Climate Action Working Group (CAWG), not only highlight the need for climate action within the eye health sector, but also show how the sector can mitigate its own climate impact.

The Call to Action for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector recognizes the eye health sector’s contribution to climate change. It highlights opportunities for the sector to show leadership and accelerate efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on 10 key areas of action. These key areas include leadership, advocacy, sustainable procurement, facilities management, service delivery, education, research and collaboration. The accompanying Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector provides practical recommendations and resources to support organizations along this journey towards mitigating their own climate impacts.

The Centre for Sustainable  Healthcare has had the privilege to be a member of the IAPB CAWG for a few years. The Call to Action and Guide were commissioned by the Fred Hollows Foundation and co-produced by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare in partnership with IAPB CAWG.