NEW YORK—As the planet continues to heat up and environmental awareness and social responsibility gain ground among consumers and businesses, VM tackled the subject of sustainability in the optical industry in our May Cover Story titled "Sustainability Takes Root." Across most sectors of the industry, eyewear companies, contact lens manufacturers, lens makers, optical labs and ECPs are all getting more involved in sustainability programs. One of the most powerful ways that people can help save the environment is to support and buy from companies with a sustainability mindset.

These days, Americans are Uber aware about their carbon footprint and sustainability is at the forefront of consumers’ minds as they try to do their part to save our planet. In a new Jobson Research Environmental Sustainability Study for Vision Monday’s sister publication, 20/20 Magazine, 70 percent said they felt their customers put at least some priority on sustainable eyewear products but they’ve noticed more proactive interest, as 19 percent of ECPs said customers were inquiring or requesting information about products with ecologically conscious manufacturing processes.

VM’s Editors talked to a wide variety of optical players for this special feature and one theme resonated—optical companies are adopting, expanding and advancing their sustainability practices and these efforts are inspiring other optical players to get on board the sustainability train. Take a look at our story here as well as feedback from eyecare professionals about their own sustainability initiatives.