Sustainability at DORC
Together towards sustainable ophthalmic surgical healthcare.
"CSR is key to the transformation of DORC and the creation of sustainable growth."
- DORC Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
At DORC, we aim to take a leading role in driving sustainability in ophthalmic surgical healthcare. With nearly 5% of global net carbon emissions attributed to healthcare*, the medical industry, faces a significant challenge in environmental sustainability, and medical waste poses a substantial concern. We believe only a proactive, partnership-based approach can address this effectively.
We recognize the importance of critically evaluating our own environmental footprint first. That is why we set concrete, science based targets to reduce it. In line with the Paris Agreement, we commit to working with validated data and benchmarks to ensure measurable progress against our goals. At the same time, through our partnerships we contribute actively to the realization of the ultimate goal of circular healthcare, wherein waste is minimized, and resources are utilized efficiently.
OUR COMMITMENTS
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
To address the complex challenges on the road to circular healthcare we need collaborative efforts that transcend organizational boundaries. DORC is connected to several initiatives and collaborates actively on projects that drive innovation, share knowledge, and work towards a more sustainable future in healthcare together.
CIRCO
CIRCO activates – with support from the Dutch government – entrepreneurs and creative professionals to (re) design products, services and business models in order to subsequently do circular business.
ESCH-R
ESCH-R, a consortium of researchers from various Dutch universities and educational institutes, surgeons, and industry partners addresses the healthcare sector's environmental impact by accelerating the adoption of circular interventions in hospitals using the 10R framework.
X!LEAD
X!LEAD is an initiative powered by the Technical University Delft, and connects MSc graduate talents to businesses in diverse industries to drive innovation.
“The carbon footprint of the global medical industry is substantial, and a considerable portion is generated by ophthalmic surgical care. Especially cataract surgery, as it’s one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide. At DORC, we are committed to contributing directly to a more responsible healthcare industry by developing and promoting more sustainable practices in ophthalmic surgery. Challenges for us, and others in our field, include the high use of single-use medical equipment, favoured because of hygiene, cost, convenience, and regulatory factors; greenhouse gas emissions from surgical gases, the need for multi-layer packaging, and the disposal of non-recyclable medical waste. When reducing the use of harmful materials, we must remain conscious of the impact on patient critical care, like in the case of a general PFAS ban, when no alternatives are available. These problems must be addressed within the context of complex regulatory requirements and an increasingly intricate global supply chain. Reducing our carbon footprint demands collaborative effort, innovation, and a unified approach with our stakeholders. DORC is committed to reduction targets grounded in science (SBTi), ensuring our initiatives are scientifically sound and effective. That is why DORC is not only taking steps to manage and control our own footprint, but we partner with others to find sustainable solutions that meet required standards and set new benchmarks for responsible and eco-conscious ophthalmic surgical care.”