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Optical Material Recycling Practices: A Look at Portuguese Optical Centers

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  • Ana Paula Oliveira

    (Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Alameda das Linhas de Torres 179, 1750-142 Lisboa, Portugal
    Centro de Investigação, Desenvolvimento e Inovação em Turismo (CiTUR)—Polo Estoril, Avenida Condes de Barcelona 808, 2769-510 Estoril, Portugal)

  • Clara Martinez-Perez

    (Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Alameda das Linhas de Torres 179, 1750-142 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Barqueira

    (Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Alameda das Linhas de Torres 179, 1750-142 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina

    (Optometry and Vision Department, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain)

  • Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena

    (Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências de Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), Alameda das Linhas de Torres 179, 1750-142 Lisboa, Portugal
    Optometry and Vision Department, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the disposal practices of optical materials in Portuguese Optical Centers. Methods: This study, conducted in the Portuguese Optical Centers across 18 districts and 308 municipalities, divided the country into 4 regions for analysis. Utilizing Google Forms ® , a survey targeting Optical Center managers and related professionals was disseminated via email from February to May 2023, comprising 30 questions across 6 sections, including optical and contact lenses, maintenance solutions, eyeglass frames, and recycling participation. Data analysis employed IBM SPSS ® Statistics v.27, using non-parametric tests for variable distribution. Ethical standards and privacy policies were strictly observed throughout the research process. Results: Findings indicated that there were significant differences in the final treatment of organic and mineral lenses. Organic lenses were placed in the yellow recycling bin (22.2%), while mineral lenses were placed in the green recycling bin (37.9%). In the case of contact lenses, regardless of the type (RGP, scleral lenses, conventional hydrogels, and silicone hydrogel lenses), the majority (>50%) were disposed of in general trash. Regarding eyeglass frames, there were no significant differences between mass and metal frames, mostly being discard in general waste (~30.0%). Conclusion: Approximately half of the surveyed Portuguese Optical Centers were not actively involved in recycling. This represents a missed opportunity for optometrists to play a role in enhancing recycling rates through patient education.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Paula Oliveira & Clara Martinez-Perez & Ana Barqueira & Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina & Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena, 2024. "Optical Material Recycling Practices: A Look at Portuguese Optical Centers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5931-:d:1433453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew J Eckelman & Jodi D Sherman & Andrea J MacNeill, 2018. "Life cycle environmental emissions and health damages from the Canadian healthcare system: An economic-environmental-epidemiological analysis," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(7), pages 1-16, July.
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    Keywords

    sustainability; optics; Portugal;
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