Table 3 Summary of opportunities to improve the environmental sustainability of the NHS dry eye disease care pathway.
From: Achieving net-zero in the dry eye disease care pathway
Time bound | Strategy |
|---|---|
Short term | • Independent sector Carbon offsetting • Raising awareness of NHS net-zero through adapting public health strategies |
Mid-term | • Expansion of recycling schemes like TerraCycle • Eco-friendly cardboards and clearer recycling instructions in secondary packaging • More local delivery of care (community optometry workforce, Primary Eyecare Companies and diagnostic and treatment hubs) • Introducing electric vehicles and delivery management systems (e.g., pharmacies and NHSBT) • Government funding to promote sustainability through innovations and research • Regulating Carbon emissions and sustainability progress of NHS suppliers • Training NHS staff on environmentally sustainable healthcare • Development of teleophthalmology and necessary support services |
Long-term | • Increased use of multi-dose bottles and alternative drug delivery systems • Adaptation of biodegradable packaging products like the Notpla Pipette to create 100% biodegradable single dose eye drops vials • Improving municipal recycling processes so small items are recycled • Reducing the cost of alternative therapies • Electronic devices harnessing renewable energy and recyclable plastics • Further research to reduce dependence on cold chains and improve environmental sustainability of cold chains • Further research around new eye drops formulations including head-to-head studies to compare efficacy and therapeutic duration in subgroups • Better digital connectivity between community eye services and NHS hospitals • Development of artificial intelligence to help triage and diagnose patients • Expansion of NHSBT facilities |
