Making continuous improvements to minimise waste and close the loop across all levels of business.

See Optometry is an independent, SA-owned optometry practice located in Victor Harbor. With a commitment to providing a quality service at the highest clinical standard, See Optometry has established itself as a trusted provider of eye care services in the region.

In 2023–24, See Optometry engaged in Business Victor Harbor’s Fleurieu Region Circular Business Program. 

Objectives

The primary objectives for See Optometry's participation were to acquire knowledge and strategies for making continuous improvements to their sustainability practices, and to address challenges related to recycling materials that are traditionally more difficult to recycle, such as soft plastics and electrical items.

The importance of sustainability

For the team at See Optometry, the pursuit of sustainability is driven by a deep-rooted belief in social and environmental responsibility. They recognise the critical role businesses play in minimising waste and environmental impact, aligning their values with sustainable business practices.

Program outcomes

Through their participation in the program, the See Optometry team achieved significant milestones in advancing their sustainability agenda. Key accomplishments included the development of an action plan for sustainable change. As an immediate measure, they successfully transitioned from using non-recyclable packaging tape to a compostable alternative, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, the See Optometry team is committed to sustaining the momentum gained from the program. They plan to continue implementing their action plan, identifying and executing further sustainability initiatives within their operations. Additionally, they aspire to leverage their experience to engage with the broader independent optometry industry, advocating for the adoption of circular economy principles and promoting awareness of simple yet impactful actions to enhance sustainability practices.

Conclusion

See Optometry's participation in the Fleurieu Region Circular Business Program underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. By actively embracing change and demonstrating leadership within their industry, See Optometry exemplifies how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core operations, driving positive impact for both the community and the environment.

About the Fleurieu Region Circular Business Program

Business Victor Harbor’s inaugural Fleurieu Region Circular Business Program was funded by Green Industries SA and delivered by Rawtec.

The program supported 5 businesses local to the region to move to more circular practices.

Over a 12-month period, participating businesses attended a series of workshops where they learnt about the principles of the circular economy, and created an action plan on how they could apply these to their business.