Help for Ukrainian colleagues, environmental responsibility at the heart of ESCRS action
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
MILAN — Support for Ukraine and sustainability are two key projects of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Oliver Findl, MD, MBA, FEBO, ESCRS president, said at the meeting here.
Besides offering free memberships, observerships and travel grants to Ukrainian colleagues since early in the conflict, ESCRS and industry partners have assisted in facilitating needed supplies, particularly for ophthalmic trauma care.
“From two storage sites, one in Poland and one in the western part of the country, equipment such as slit lamps, vitreoretinal surgery platforms and endoscopes as well as pharmaceuticals are directed towards a number of hospitals where trauma is treated,” Findl said.
ESCRS is also committed to improving the sustainability of the society’s activities.
“We are trying to measure, reduce and offset carbon emissions. For this 2022 congress, the anticipated carbon emission was 12,000 tons of CO2, mostly coming from flying. We have encouraged delegates to use climate-friendly transports, 50% of the food is vegetarian, 70% is locally sourced, and nonavoidable carbon emissions will be compensated by investing in a portfolio of carbon offsetting projects,” Findl said.
Exhibitors were offered the opportunity to compete for a sustainable exhibition award.
“Johnson & Johnson won the award for their innovative booth design, 50% made from recycled sources and 90% reusable in other meetings, for their communication at the booth concerning sustainability, and because they did carbon offsetting for 100% of CO2 emissions from electricity used at the booth and team travel,” Findl said.
Collapse
Findl O. Opening ceremony — president’s address. Presented at: European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting; Sept. 16-20, 2022; Milan.
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts