ESCH-R visit WP 2 & WP 5 DORC – TU Delft

On Wednesday August 28th the second meeting in between WP5 and WP2 on the topic of environmental assessments took place at the ‘CERIOS: Center of Expertise, Research and Innovation in Ophthalmic Surgeries of DORC at the TU Delft Campus: https://dorcglobal.com/news/dorc-announces-opening-cerios. 

At this innovation hub Prof. JC Diehl (TU Delft), Marcel Crul (NHL Stenden), and Momo Chen (WUR) had the opportunity to get a demonstration by ophthalmologist and surgeon dr. Redmer van Leeuwen (UMCU), Roeland Dijkema and Joost Vervaat (both DORC) of the Cataract Systems of Dorc. During the visit, Van Leeuwen provided a live simulation of cataract and retinal surgery, showcasing the intricate procedures involved in eye surgery. He highlighted the instruments and disposables used and the types of waste generated during these operations.

DORC also presented their ideas for making these surgical procedures more sustainable. Next, Casper van der Zee (UMC Utrecht) continued with a presentation on the carbon footprint of telemedicine https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/11786329241271562

The visit was particularly enlightening for the non-surgical attendees, as aspects of the surgical process that are second nature to surgeons were real eye-openers for others. This exchange of knowledge provided valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of using disposable instruments, and options for circular alternatives in surgery.

The meeting was wrapped up on how WP 2 & WP5 will collaborate on environmental assessments of the ophthalmology of UMCU.

To be continued.