(from left) Photo of Prof. Carly Lam, Prof. To Chi-ho, Head of School, Mr Hilton Cheong and Prof. David Shum, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the School of Optometry 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner in 2018.
The PolyU School of Optometry records with the most profound sorrow of the passing of Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen, CBE, JP (張有興先生), Chairman of the inaugural Advising Committee of the PolyU Centre for Myopia of Research and Honorary Advisor of the School, on 4 January 2022, at age 99.
Mr Cheong was a diligent politician and businessman who had served as Urban Council and Legislative Council member in the last century. He was committed to community services and showed concern about the problem of myopia of schoolchildren.
During a LegCo meeting back in 1986, Mr Cheong expressed concern about the high percentage of myopic students and urged the government for a campaign to prevent the worsening situation. He also suggested enhancing the visual function screening for primary school students and giving them additional visual health support. He had been one of the leading advocates in comprehending visual and health care support to schoolchildren.
Mr Cheong had been the Honorary Advisor of the Centre for Myopia Research from its inception in 1997. He had been a keen supporter of the School, particularly in myopia research.
The School conveys its heartfelt condolences to Mr Cheong’s family. He will always be remembered for his distinguished contributions and support to optometry professional development and myopia research in Hong Kong and beyond.
