SIDICS

Disclaimer

Disclaimer - SIDICS Methodology

The Sustainability Index for Disposables in Cataract Surgery (SIDICS) is a tool developed to assist users in evaluating the sustainability of customized cataract packs used in medical facilities. The tool provides insights into the environmental impact of different product configurations based on data obtained from a material analysis conducted on three distinct cataract packages from various suppliers within Austria. The following details are considered for each product: 1) weight, 2) CO2 footprint resulting from production and thermal disposal (excluding transportation), and 3) water demand during production.

SIDICS is designed to provide general information and should be used as a reference guide for assessing the potential environmental impact of product choices. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, SIDICS is not exhaustive and may not include all possible product variations. Future versions of the tool will aim to incorporate a broader range of products to enhance its comprehensiveness.

The data used in SIDICS is sourced from the ECOINVENT database (https://ecoinvent.org/) and is based on distinctive material compositions of each product, such as cotton, paper, PVP, PP, steel, and more. Calculations are performed using generic data representing products with the highest identified environmental impact across the analyzed cataract packs.

Users encountering products that are not exact matches are encouraged to select the closest available option. The results provided by SIDICS should be interpreted as approximate estimates of environmental impact and not as absolute values.

SIDICS is intended to raise awareness and promote informed choices, but users are advised to consider all relevant factors when making purchasing decisions using their clinical judgement, knowledge and expertise.

ESCRS and the developers and contributors of SIDICS shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or special loss or damage arising from or in connection with the use or misuse of SIDICS. By using SIDICS, users acknowledge and accept that the tool is provided on an "as-is" basis without any representations, conditions or warranties of any kind, express or implied.

Any mention in SIDICS of any commercial product does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.

The contents of SIDICS are protected by copyright. Reproduction or distribution of SIDICS for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from ESCRS.

Disclaimer - ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation

The ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation has been formulated based on an extensive analysis of cataract packages across Europe, drawing insights from 44 surgical facilities in 12 countries. These facilities include a diverse range of clinics, spanning private centres and university hospitals. The benchmark recommendation has been derived by focusing on the least resource-intensive elements of these packages, with the intention of facilitating greater sustainability in cataract surgery.

The ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation is intended to offer guidance and promote sustainable practices within the realm of ophthalmic care. The recommendation is designed to balance material usage considerations while upholding the feasibility of surgical procedures.

However, users must exercise their clinical judgment and expertise when incorporating these recommendations into their decision-making process. It is not the intention of the ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation to supersede or replace the professional judgment of clinicians, nor to dictate specific procedural choices. Clinicians should continue to rely on their own clinical judgement, knowledge and expertise and consider individual patient needs when making decisions related to surgical practices.

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the benchmark recommendation, individual circumstances may require deviations from the recommendation for optimal patient outcomes. Users should take into account the characteristics of each case and be prepared to exercise flexibility as necessary.

By utilizing the ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation, users acknowledge and accept that the recommendation is provided as a resource and reference tool. ESCRS and the developers and contributors of the ESCRS Benchmark Recommendation shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or special loss or damage arising from the use or misuse of the recommendation.