OSA Sustainability Committee releases Glossary

The OSA Sustainability Committee have published a Sustainability Glossary, a new resource for the whole optical sector. The glossary covers general terms on sustainability as well as items which apply specifically to optics.  It also provides links to other resources, websites and current standards. The glossary is freely available on the OSA website.

Jayne Abel, Chair of the OSA Sustainability Committee, said “This new resource is the result of many months of research and editing, and to the best of our knowledge it’s the first of its kind in the optical industry. We hope all OSA members and our other stakeholders find it useful and enlightening, both in clinical practice and throughout the optical supply chain.”

Jayne added “Digital communications enable all of us to share and highlight new knowledge and approaches, which in turn means we can enact swift meaningful change in the culture of our organisations, professions and personal lives. We invite all members to join us on this journey, to establish the UK eyecare community as a global leader in sustainable practices, to have confidence in the future of our planet and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with safeguarding it.”

Since it was created in 2021, the Committee has been looking at ways to help members – and UK optics as a whole – to understand and reduce the environmental impacts in optical manufacturing. The glossary is the first resource from the Committee, with more to follow in the future. The next OSA Sustainability Committee meeting will take place in the early Spring and members are encouraged to actively engage with and support the work of the Committee. Any comments or questions they have on any aspect of sustainability should be sent to [email protected] .