Paul Lau

Class of 2016/17

Exchange Period: 11 July - 19 August 2016
The University of Melbourne, Australia

It was a great pleasure to exchange to The University of Melbourne (UM). My fellow classmates and I started the 40-day academic exchange programme to UM on 11 July. We studied, we learnt, and we enjoyed so much throughout our exchange. It was definitely an unforgettable experience. 

Australian optometrists are able to prescribe therapeutic drugs whenever needed. In contrast, such therapeutic management by optometrists is currently prohibited in Hong Kong. I had some hands-on experience in prescribing antibiotics and steroids during the clinical placement. I could fully practise what I learnt in Hong Kong. I also had the opportunity to attend some clinical rounds and lectures with the local students studying the 4-year Doctor of Optometry programme. These sessions were both fun and immensely useful. I also sat in several specialty clinics such as colour vision clinic, cornea clinic, and glaucoma clinic

It is hard to share every pleasurable experience, but in short, I would recommend Year 4 students to exchange to UM. I would also like to sincerely thank our School and the Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences of UM for organizing such a wonderful trip.