Oliveira, Ana PaulaMartínez-Perez, ClaraBarqueira, AnaÁlvarez Peregrina, CristinaSánchez Tena, Miguel Ángel2024-11-272024-11-272024-07Oliveira, A.P.; Martinez-Perez, C.; Barqueira, A.; Alvarez-Peregrina, C.; Sánchez-Tena, M.Á. Optical Material Recycling Practices: A Look at Portuguese Optical Centers. Sustainability 2024, 16, 5931. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1614593110.3390/su16145931https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/111149Purpose: 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.engAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/journal articlehttps://doi.org/10.3390/su16145931open access681.7.03SustainabilityOpticsPortugalÓptica (Física)2209 Óptica