Optical Material Recycling Practices: A Look at Portuguese Optical Centers

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.