This study, led by DS Morris and colleagues, evaluates the carbon footprint of cataract surgery in a British teaching hospital, specifically the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. It aims to quantify the environmental impact of these surgeries to identify opportunities for reducing carbon emissions.

Key Findings:

• Carbon Footprint: The study found that a single cataract surgery has a carbon footprint of approximately 181.8 kg CO2 equivalents.
• Annual Impact: With 2,230 patients treated in 2011, the total annual carbon footprint was estimated at 405.4 tonnes CO2 equivalents for cataract surgeries at this hospital.
• Emission Sources: Building and energy use accounted for 36.1% of the emissions, travel for 10.1%, and procurement for 53.8%, with medical equipment alone constituting 32.6% of the total emissions.

Environmental Impact Breakdown:

• Building and Energy: This sector includes the direct emissions from hospital operations, contributing over a third of the total emissions.
• Travel: Emissions from patient and staff travel, though a smaller fraction, present opportunities for reductions through adjustments in service delivery.
• Procurement: The largest contributor, dominated by the emissions embedded in medical supplies and equipment used during surgery.

Recommendations:

• Industry Collaboration: Engaging with suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of medical supplies and equipment.
• Service Design: Incorporating sustainability into the design of cataract surgery pathways to reduce emissions from all sectors.
• Public Awareness and Policy: Enhancing awareness among healthcare professionals about their role in climate change, and advocating for policies that support sustainable practices.