Operating Through a Green Lens

Agnes Kim, O.D., built eco-conscious principles directly into the bones of her practice, North Coast Vision, using sustainable, recycled, or reused materials from the ground up. North Coast Vision in Santa Cruz, CA, earned a Green Business Certification Award in 2015 from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program.

Inspired by her grandfather, an optometrist who built his practice with her future in mind, Amber C. Price, owner of A Heart Medical Consulting, based in Arizona, also considers future generations with her actions and encourages her clients to do the same.

EB: What environmentally friendly initiatives have you implemented in your practice?

AGNES KIM, O.D.: In addition to recycling/sorting out waste, we use environmentally friendly cleaning and building products, recycled paper products, and we try to use local businesses as suppliers, or companies that have an emphasis on greener business practices.

AMBER C. PRICE: I strongly recommend not using any paper at all, including sticky notes—[which might make me] the most hated person in optical. I recommend if it is a paper that you like to use often for patients, laminate it and [give the patients] Expo markers, and then scan it into your EMR system. Everything [can be] paperless now, including your statements. Every paper counts.

EB: What percentage of your product assortment is made with eco-conscious materials and processes?

AK: I would say the current approximation would be 20% to 25%, [including] frames made with sustainable materials such as Acetate Renew, which is composed of 60% bio-based and 40% certified recycled content, [and] bio-acetate material, which is derived from vegetable starch and bioethanol.

AP: I recommend to most of my clients that they have at least two genuine eco-friendly brands in-house [and] to create a social media post about why it is so important to you to have them in the office.

EB: What are your thoughts on the availability of sustainable eyewear today?

AK: When the office opened 16 years ago, we asked every frame rep about use of sustainable materials in their frame lines, and at that time, there was very little available. I have found that in the last several years, many companies have incorporated sustainable practices and greener materials into their product lines, and it’s been very exciting to see this transition.

AP: I wish that there were more, [but] the companies that have really stepped up their game on this have really made some [frames that are] not only environmentally friendly but also fashionable.