The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) is devoted to creating a brighter and greener world. As a member of EyeSustain, a global coalition of ophthalmic organizations, we join forces with peers around the world to make eye care and surgery more sustainable.
Survey on Operating Room Waste
In 2025, we conducted an online survey with over two thousand cataract surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region to evaluate their views on possible measures to reduce waste in cataract surgeries.
The full results of this survey have been reported in the article “APAO survey of cataract surgeons’ attitudes toward operating room waste” in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, Volume 14, Issue 6.
Green Congresses
In addition, we have formulated a set of green measures to be implemented at our annual APAO Congresses:
Venue Infrastructure
Photo courtesy: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Choose a Sustainable Venue: Opt for a venue with green certifications, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly practices.
- Green Energy: Use renewable energy sources to power the conference, for example, solar energy.
- Green Technology: Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment for presentations and displays.
- Water Conservation: Use water-saving fixtures and encourage attendees to use water responsibly. Encourage attendees to carry their own water bottle.
Transportation
Photo courtesy: Hong Kong Tourism Board
- Public Transportation: Encourage attendees to use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions.
- Promote Eco-friendly Transportation: Provide bike racks and promote walking or cycling to the venue.
- Virtual Options: Consider on-demand lectures for participants not willing to travel.
Waste Reduction
- Digitalize Materials: Minimize paper usage by providing digital programs, schedules etc.
- Reduce Waste: Use reusable or biodegradable materials for name badges and catering. Stop the distribution of conference bags or use biodegradable materials for bags and encourage all to carry their own bags.
- Waste Management: Set up and provide compost, recycling and trash collection stations throughout the venue.
- Reusable Swag: Avoid disposable giveaways and opt for eco-friendly, reusable items.
Sourcing of Supplies
- Local Sourcing: Source supplies, services, and staff locally to reduce transportation emissions.
- Sustainable Catering: Serve locally sourced, organic, and plant-based food to reduce the conference’s carbon footprint.
Awareness and Engagement
- Education and Engagement: Include eco-conscious topics in the conference program to raise awareness.
- Community Involvement: Partner with local environmental organizations for initiatives or volunteer opportunities.
- Carbon Offsetting: Consider offsetting the conference’s carbon emissions by supporting environmental projects.
- Green Guidelines: Provide attendees and exhibitors with guidelines to participate in the Congress in an eco-friendly manner. Ban styrofoam and polystyrene foams in exhibition areas.