New FAAO Achieved - Dr Rachel Chun and Ms Daisy Leung

PolyU School of Optometry proudly announces that Dr Rachel Chun, Assistant Professor, and Ms Daisy Leung, Optometrist, have been awarded the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) Fellowship. This significant achievement reflects their unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards in optometric care, commitment to evidence-based practice, and pursuit of lifelong learning. The fellowship process was comprehensive and demanding, requiring in-depth research, a thorough literature review, and the submission of detailed written case reports. Their efforts culminated in a successful oral examination conducted by a subcommittee of their peers. This accomplishment is a testament to their expertise and professionalism in the field of optometry.

The 30th Congregation

The 30th Congregation at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was a significant event for the Class of 2024 from the School of Optometry. This year, the School celebrated the accomplishments of 44 Bachelor's Degree recipients and 3 Doctor of Philosophy graduates. We hope our graduates will uphold their professional dedication as they contribute to the community and reach new heights. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements!   The Dean's Honours List Congratulations to the following graduates who have been selected and named on the Dean's Honours List 2023/24: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Optometry KWOK Oi Lam LAM Yu Ting LEE Cheuk Ling LIU Wai Cheung SZETO Man Ying TAI Cheuk Yiu WAN Sze Hoi   Snapshots and photos of the 30th Congregation [Photo Gallery]

PolyU and EssilorLuxottica join hands to cultivate next generation of professional optometrists; EssilorLuxottica donates full set of optometric equipment to PolyU School of Optometry to enhance students’ clinical skills

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the donation of a complete set of optometric equipment for an eye examination room from EssilorLuxottica, demonstrating their commitment to and collaboration in training and fostering development of future optometrists. An equipment handover ceremony took place at PolyU on October 8, in a simple yet significant event highlighting the impact of this donation on nurturing the next generation of professional optometrists.

The Launch of MSc in Vision Science and Innovation - Application is now open: Join Our Info Seminar to Learn More!

The School is thrilled to announce the launch of the Master of Science in Vision Science and Innovation (MScVSI) programme in September 2025, and its online application is now open. This pioneering programme offers a unique opportunity for professionals in healthcare, biomedical engineering, computer science, and related disciplines to pursue advanced education in interdisciplinary and innovative vision science. It addresses the growing importance of developing cutting-edge technologies for enhancing vision and eye care, as well as advancing instrumentation for the ophthalmic and healthcare industry. The programme provides an excellent platform for building networks and collaborations among students from diverse academic backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of creative ideas and best practices, and facilitating research and development partnerships. This 31-credit programme is available in 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time study mode. It comprises a 24-credit coursework component (including 15 credits of compulsory subjects and 9 credits of elective subjects), a 6-credit research project component, and a 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) component. Optional non-credit bearing internships are available. Please visit our webpage to learn more about the curriculum and admissions. The online application is now open. We strongly encourage early applications, as the admission process is conducted on a rolling basis and there are limited admission slots available. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.   Information Seminar The Information Seminar for this programme will be held on 15 October 2024 between 7-8 pm, available in both online and face-to-face formats (Venue: R501). Interested candidates are invited to register for the seminar at: https://polyu.hk/oDHAc.

PolyU - Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation Donation Ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the “Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation Donation Ceremony” on 23 September to express sincere gratitude for the significant support provided by the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation (Foundation). The Ceremony was officiated by PolyU Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence Li, President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Executive Vice President Dr Miranda Lou, Vice President (Education) Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Prof. Ben Young, alongside the representatives of the Foundation Dr Philip Wu, Mr Jason Wu, Ms Monica Wu and Ms Tansy Lau. The event was also graced by the presence of distinguished guests from both the Foundation and PolyU. The late Dr Wu Jieh Yee was a visionary banker renowned not only in the financial realm but also as a dedicated philanthropist with a profound commitment to public welfare, particularly in education and healthcare. The Foundation upholds Dr Wu’s noble aspirations by promoting higher education and improving the quality of medical services. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation, stating, “The donation symbolises the Foundation’s profound trust in PolyU’s capabilities and their substantial commitment to bolstering the School of Optometry (the School) through their latest contribution.” The University has long been a leader in optometry and eye care, exemplified by the development of advanced myopia control lenses that can slow myopia progression by around 60 percent. These innovative lenses have been commercialised in partnership with industry, significantly benefitting the vision health of children and young adults with myopia. The Foundation’s generous contribution towards the establishment of the “Wu Jieh Yee Education Fund in Optometry” (the Fund) will facilitate a meaningful increase in the enrolment number of the undergraduate Optometry programme at the School, which is the sole provider of a five-year Bachelor of Science in Optometry programme in Hong Kong, a government-recognised qualification widely acclaimed as one of the best in Asia and globally esteemed. With the support of the Fund, the School will strive to address the escalating demand for optometrists, aiming to improve eye care services for those in need, including in particular the ageing population, and to enhance Hong Kong’s primary healthcare landscape. Prof. Chea-su Kee, Head of the School of Optometry, elaborated, “The increased student intake will directly translate into more optometrists serving our ageing community. We anticipate more timely eye examinations, early detection and management of correctable vision problems, and preventive measures that will improve the well-being of the local population. Moreover, training more optometrists who will also engage in clinical practice, research, and community outreach, will help enable the School to fill the gap left by retiring practitioners, who will also actively engage in clinical practice, research, and community outreach.” PolyU remains committed to advancing education and healthcare, and the support from the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation marks a significant milestone in this ongoing journey.

Student Award Ceremony 2023/24

The School of Optometry organized the Student Award Ceremony 2023/24 on 27 August 2024 to present 20 awards to 22 undergraduate students in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to serving the community. At the ceremony, Prof. Kee Chea-su, Head of School, congratulated the awardees and expressed appreciation to all the donors for their continuous support. With donors’ generosity, students could broaden their learning horizons and be empowered to pursue qualitative academic performance in dispensing, project planning, and research. After the award presentation, Mr Man Wai Chung Alvin, Year 5 student representative, shared his fruitful study journeys at PolyU and his overseas exchange experience at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Our warmest congratulations go to the scholarship and award recipients. Student Award Ceremony 2023/24 [Photo Gallery]   Name of Award/ Scholarship Awardee Carl Zeiss Award for Young Researcher WAN Sze Hoi Chan Chow Yuen Yee Florence Scholarship CHAN Ho Him Essilor Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing Scholarship LEE Cheuk Ling HOYA Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry TSUI Pui Hang HOYA Scholarship for Myopia Care LEE Ngai Shan The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists Best Community Project Award NG Hei Yin SIN Sheung Ching LAM Jing Yiu WONG Ka Wai MAN Wai Chung Alvin TSUI Pui Hang LIU Wai Wing LAU Yuet Yan LEUNG Ho Cheung Jason LEUNG Man Him Luxottica Best Clinical Performance Award for Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry KWOK Oi Lam Luxottica Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme SIN Sheung Ching Johnson & Johnson MedTech Scholarship for Outbound Student Exchange Programme LEE Ngai Shan MAN Wai Chung Alvin Joyce C. D. Leung Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme LEUNG Man Him LIU Wai Wing LAM Jing Yiu TSUI Pui Hang Skyview Optical Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme LAU Yuet Yan Queenie Yip Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme CHUANG Ngai Lam United Optical Company Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme NG Hei Yin WONG Wing Lam OCUVIQ Award NG Ching Yin PolyVision Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry TSUI Pui Hang WONG Wing Lam LAM Jing Yiu ViewGear Scholarship for the Best Year 2 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry TONG Anson Chan Wing On Scholarship WONG Tang Wai The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Prize for the Best Year 1 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry PUN Tsz Ki Stella The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Best Final Year Student Optometrist Award KWOK Oi Lam The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Academic Excellence Award for the Best Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry LIU Wai Cheung

Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony 2024

The School of Optometry organized the Student Award cum Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony on 27 August 2024 to present the Outstanding Alumni Award to two distinguished graduates, Mr Kwan Ka Ho Lawrence and Dr Chin Man Pan, in recognition of their professional achievements and significant contributions to the School, PolyU and the community. At the ceremony, Prof. Henry Chan, Professor of School, congratulated the awardees and expressed appreciation to the two outstanding alumni for their remarkable achievements. After the award presentation, Mr Kwan Ka Ho Lawrence and Dr Chin Man Pan, awardee of the Outstanding Alumni Award, shared their successful stories and expressed their appreciation to their academic advisors for their guidance and mentoring. The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Optometry established in 2022, aims to give public recognition to the outstanding graduates for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. Our warmest congratulations go to the two award recipients. Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony 2023/24 [Photo Gallery]

White Coat Ceremony 2024

The School of Optometry held the White Coat Ceremony on 27 August 2024. Amidst the presence of faculty members, mentors, and peers, 47 Year 4 students in optometry took the optometric oath, pledging their commitment to upholding professional ethics throughout their clinical placements and future careers. With great significance, the students received their white coats from academic advisors, symbolizing their entry into the esteemed eye care profession. In his opening remarks, Prof. Andrew Lam, Associate Head (Programmes and Clinical Training) of the School, shared the history of white coat ceremony and reminded students of the white coat's representation of clinical service and healthcare. He urged them to embrace their responsibilities and utilize their acquired knowledge to serve the public diligently. The School of Optometry White Coat Ceremony has been organized since 2015, aiming to highlight the white coat's symbolic importance for a clinician. The fourth-year optometry students will start their clinical training in the following two years after the ceremony. White Coat Ceremony 2024 [Photo Gallery]

Online Application for Doctor of Optometry Programme for January 2025 Intake Opens Soon!

The School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University introduces its innovative Doctor of Optometry (DOptom) programme, designed to empower practicing optometrists to become experts and leaders in their specialty areas. This 2.5-year full-time or 5-year part-time programme combines advanced clinical skills, critical analysis, and contemporary research methods. Students complete a 24-credit coursework component covering areas such as Orthokeratology, Specialty Contact Lens, Contemporary Myopia Control, and Ocular Misalignment, along with a 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics component and a 24-credit equivalent thesis. The programme fosters the development of advanced clinical skills, critical analysis, management, and contemporary research methods. Graduates will become experts in their chosen specialty areas, equipped to lead and innovate in the field of optometry. Learn more about our DOptom programme at: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/so/study/tpg/doptom   About the Admissions The online application will open on 9 September 2024, and we strongly encourage early applications due to a limited admissions quota. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, with offers made on a rolling basis. For more information about admissions, please click here.   Upcoming Information Seminar An information seminar about the programme will be held on 10 September 2024, available in both online and face-to-face formats. Interested candidates are invited to register for these admission events here.

PolyU School of Optometry x Orbis Future Vision Leader Program 2024-25

Collaborated by PolyU School of Optometry and Orbis, the “Future Vision Leader Program” provides valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge to society and nurture their sense of social responsibility in AY2024/25. Students will form a team of 2-8 members and embark on a year-long global mission for eye health! Highlights of the program: Lead a Fundraising Campaign to combat global blindness Compete in the Orbis Visionary Innovators Hackathon - a 24-hour virtual team challenge with international medical students Get lifetime access to Cybersight - an award-winning telemedicine platform Attend “Dialogue with Orbis” Day Camp to boost your confidence and public speaking skills Volunteer at fun fundraising events, like Walkathons and carnivals