Supported by InnoHK, the HKSAR’s flagship innovation and technology initiative, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) was established by PolyU in collaboration with the University of Waterloo (UW) in Canada, with a view to becoming a global leader in eye and vision research as well as a magnet for attracting and training research talents.

With the official launch of CEVR earlier this month, the Centre is set to initiate put forward clinical, basic and applied research that helps to promote eye health, and to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies in vision loss prevention.

CEVR is the first global hub for eye and vision research to conduct ground-breaking research in five key areas – myopia and eye growth, ocular drug discovery and delivery, vision enhancement, tear film and ocular surface, and advanced optometric technology. In the past year or so, the Centre has proudly brought together elite researchers in optometry, vision science, biotechnological science, rehabilitation science and neuroscience, from Hong Kong and the rest of the world.

Inspired by a common vision and mission, CEVR’s researchers are working intensively on 25 high-potential projects. Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Professor Wing-tak Wong, is delighted with the establishment of CEVR and said, “At PolyU, we understand how research in advanced optometric technology is crucial for preventing vision loss and preserving healthy vision. We are very pleased to be able to work with a team of experts and we look forward to seeing more technological breakthroughs in eye and vision health in the near future.”

Professor Ben Thompson, CEO and Scientific Director, CEVR, added, “CEVR is dedicated to creating synergies between world-leading researchers from PolyU and UW to facilitate related research and development. With the support of the Hong Kong government’s initiative, we are confident of further driving global research collaborations, bringing very significant opportunities to the local I&T sector and nurturing next generation talent, while also helping develop Hong Kong into an international innovation powerhouse.”

Professor Chi-ho To, COO and Deputy Scientific Director, CEVR, said, “We see limitless potential for how and where our eye-health research and technologies can be deployed so as to better address the needs and challenges of people with vision problems, while enhancing overall vision health. Looking forward, we will continue to leverage the synergies of this international collaboration between PolyU and UW to drive more innovative and advanced research programmes and projects to tackle vision problems in the community.”

To learn more about CEVR and its research projects, please visit the official website (https://cevr.hk/)