Student WONG Ching Laam honoured Faculty Outstanding Student Award

Optometry final year student Ms Wong Ching Laam, Eunice has been awarded as the Outstanding Student of the School of Optometry and the Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) under the PolyU Outstanding Students Award Scheme 2020. The University organized the Outstanding Student Awards Presentation Ceremony 2020 on 12 March. This is the third consecutive year that an optometry student being selected as the FHSS Outstanding Student. Eunice is a high achiever academically, exemplified by her receiving the HKSAR Government Scholarship 2019/20. In addition to the academic strength, Eunice has actively participated in extra-curricular activities, demonstrating her leadership ability, including the organization of a sharing about a Northern Thailand trip in July 2018, the involvement as the Promotion Secretary in Campus YMCA of PolyU from 2017 to 2018. Apart from the above. Eunice has actively participated in volunteer services and organized vision screening activities to promote eye care awareness. “It is my pleasure to be selected as the FHSS Outstanding Student since it gives recognition to both my academic performance and my personal development throughout these five years. For me, learning is more than scoring. It is important to broaden the horizon and drill deeply into the knowledge. Apart from studying hard and obtaining knowledge in the professional fields, it is also important to use what we have learned to contribute to society and serve people in need.” Eunice shared. Read the sharing by Eunice at: https://polyu.hk/YOPQL The Outstanding Student Awards are given annually to full-time final-year students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership ability, active involvement in extra-curricular activities, substantial community service experience and exposure, and exemplary personal qualities. The department selects student with exceptional performances to receive the “Outstanding Student Award of Department”. These outstanding students of departments under the same faculty purview will then compete with each other for the “Outstanding Student Award of Faculty”.

Six PolyU Researchers Named Top 200 Scholars in Optometry Hong Kong the Most Impactful Region in Asia

Six PolyU scholars have been ranked Top 200 globally in optometry research as revealed in a recently launched ranking system. Six colleagues of the School, including Prof. Pauline Cho, Prof. Maurice Yap, Chair Professor of Optometry and K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry, Prof. Chi-ho To, Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry, Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health and Head of School, Prof. Marion Edwards, Former Head of School, Prof. Carly Lam and Dr Andrew Lam, Associate Head and Associate Professor, have been ranked as Top 200 optometry researchers globally. Specifically, Prof. Cho and Prof. Yap are on the list of the Top 100 optometry researchers. The results show the international academia's recognition of PolyU optometry researchers' contributions, particularly in myopia control, diabetic retinopathy, cornea biometry, etc. According to the hCO-index that ranked countries and regions by the Top 200 scholars affiliated with, Hong Kong ranked first in Asia and No. 6 globally, following after the US, Australia, the UK, Canada and Spain. For institutions ranked according to the hIN-index of the Top 200 affiliated with, PolyU ranked No. 16 among the 72 eligible institutions. Four vision science researchers developed this ranking system to recognize and honour optometrists worldwide who lead the profession through published research and establish a global standard for individual excellence in optometric research publications. The system automatically retrieves data from the Scopus database daily to keep the rank up-to-date. The ranking factors include h-index, number of publications, years of active publications, and number of citations. The first-of-its-type ranking system in optometry research uses an algorithm that analyses publication metrics and is tailored to enable global universities, researchers, and academics to profile their research capabilities and their research impact. Reference: Nathan Efron, Philip B Morgan, Lyndon W Jones, George A Morgan & Jason J Nichols (2021) Global optometrist top 200 research ranking, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1878863

Vision of Love Mobile Eye Care Project Receives Social Capital Builder Logo Award 2020

The Vision of Love Mobile Eye Care Project operated by the School of Optometry, PolyU, received the Social Capital Builder (SCB) Logo Award, from the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) under the HKSAR Labour and Welfare Bureau, in recognizing the team’s outstanding contributions to the development of social capital. Since its establishment in January 2017, the Vision of Love Mobile Eye Care Project has been providing optometric services to over 26,300 needy people. Nominated by the Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre - Yung Shing Shopping Centre in Fanling, the VoL Project is recognized for its contribution to the development of social capital in Hong Kong during 2018-20, particularly for its outreach vision screening and eye care services provided to the elderly live in rural Sha Tau Kok. To accord recognition to individuals, enterprises and organizations which have contributed to the development of social capital in Hong Kong, and to commend outstanding CIIF-funded projects, the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund of the Labour and Welfare Bureau has organized the biennial SCB Awards since 2012. For details of the SCB Awards, please click here.

Prof. Pauline Cho Named “Most Impactful Author” and PolyU Recognized as the World’s Leading Institution in Orthokeratology

Prof. Pauline Cho of the School of Optometry of PolyU is recently named as the “Most Impactful Author” in a bibliometric analysis of the orthokeratology literature published in the UK Contact Lens & Anterior Eye Journal. The number of citations and the total number of publications of Prof. Cho’s work rank first among other orthokeratology scholars in the world. PolyU is also named as “The Leading Institution” with the highest number of highly-cited papers in the field, followed by the University of New South Wales (Australia) and the University of Ohio (USA). The analysis was based on the search in title and abstract using the Scopus database, with keywords including “orthokeratology”, “corneal refractive therapy” and “corneal reshaping”, from the first publication about orthokeratology in 1962 to November 2020. Among the 650 papers found, Prof. Pauline Cho is the first author of the top 2 orthokeratology-related papers ranked by the number of citations. Prof. Cho was named the “Most Impactful Author” in orthokeratology, as demonstrated by her highest total paper count (82) and the highest number of citations in the world. In addition, Dr Peggy Cheung, Postdoctoral Fellow of Prof. Cho’s team, ranks third in the world, in terms of the number of citations of her orthokeratology-related publications. Orthokeratology was first reported in the 1960s, using flat-fitting conventional rigid gas permeable lenses for daytime wear. The flat-fitting lenses resulted in changes to corneal curvatures, leading to a temporary correction of myopia, but was soon abandoned due to unpredictable results and undesirable side-effects. However, the treatment was revived in the early 2000s (modern orthokeratology) with the introduction of specially designed orthokeratology lenses, improved lens material (allowing overnight wear), and sophisticated equipment (allowing accurate monitoring of changes of the corneal surface). In 2005, Prof. Pauline Cho and her team published the first longitudinal study on overnight orthokeratology, showing effective slowing of myopia progression. Since then, numerous publications have confirmed the myopia control effect and many practitioners have adopted this modality on a routine basis for myopia management. Earlier in 2017, a bibliometric analysis of this field also reported Prof. Pauline Cho and PolyU as the ‘most impactful author’ and ‘the more prolific institution’, respectively. The 2020 publication is a testament to the prominent contribution by Prof. Cho and her research team in the field of orthokeratology. References: Jason J. Nichols, Lyndon Jones, Philip B. Morgan, Nathan Efron, Bibliometric analysis of the orthokeratology literature, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2020.11.010 Villa-Collar, César Ph.D.; Álvarez-Peregrina, Cristina Ph.D.; Hidalgo Santa Cruz, Fernando OD, Ph.D.; Povedano-Montero, Francisco Javier Ph.D. Bibliometric Study of Scientific Research on Overnight Orthokeratology, Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice: September 2018 - Volume 44 - Issue 5 - p 344-349 doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000545

Prof. George Woo honoured with Hong Kong Humanity Award 2020

Prof. George Woo, Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor at School of Optometry, has been nominated and selected asone of the awardees of the Hong Kong Humanity Award 2020, which is organised jointly by the Hong Kong Red Cross and Radio Television Hong Kong. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding humanitarian contributions. Inspired by his experience as an optometrist, Prof. Woo has been serving The Samaritans for nearly two decades. His impressive devotion to helping people in emotional distress is recognised by this award. Prof. Woo is the father of optometry in Hong Kong. With his extensive clinical and research experience in optometry in Canada, he founded the then Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the then Hong Kong Polytechnic (now The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) to promote the development of optometry in Hong Kong. In addition to treating patients who have lost much of their eyesight, Prof. Woo also wishes to cure wounds invisible to the eye. “An anaesthesiologist lost his vision because of diabetes. He told me he wanted to commit suicide. I spent a lot of time talking to him and comforting him during this immensely challenging phase of his life. Ultimately, he abandoned the idea of killing himself,” recalls Prof. Woo. Since then, he has aspired to provide support to other emotionally distressed people. Every month, Prof. Woo takes off his white coat and metaphorical hat as an optometrist, goes to The Samaritans centre and answers calls as a hotline volunteer, something he has been doing for the past 18 years. Hotline volunteers do not judge the callers or their thoughts; they listen to their concerns with empathy and patience. In 2015, Prof. Woo became the chairman of the Board of Directors of The Samaritans. He supported the development of the organisation, including setting up services for the elderly and young people. He hopes that The Samaritans’ services can continue to be enhanced to help save more lives. About the Hong Kong Humanity Award Launched in 2007 and organised jointly by the Hong Kong Red Cross and Radio Television Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Humanity Award is the very first award of its kind in Hong Kong, which aims to pay tribute to individuals in society who exemplify the very spirit of humanity by putting it into practice and action. Through honouring their humanitarian deeds, the organisers hope more people will learn about the universal value of humanity, thereby spreading humanitarianism to all levels of society. Since its launch, more than 70 individuals have received the Award.

The 18th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, The Hong Kong Optometric Association and PolyU School of Optometry, The 18th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium was successfully held online on 5 November 2020 and attracted over 700 participants. The Symposium has been serving as an ideal platform for eyecare practitioners, opticians, ophthalmologists and optical industry players to update themselves with the latest optometric knowledge. This year’s Symposium is themed “Prevention of Blindness and Global Eye Care Development Beyond 20/20”, which echoes with the global initiative of the “Vision 2020: The Right to Sight” of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. We were happy to have seven experts from Australia, Canada and Hong Kong to share with us the updates on the eyecare management and treatments with advanced technology in eliminating visual impairments. Dr Jessica Neuville, Clinical Associate of the School served as the moderator of the morning session. Dr Helen Eng, Part-time Visiting Lecturer and Ms Jenny Kwong, Senior Resident Optometrist co-instructed the talk on “Using Optical Calculation in Managing Vision Rehabilitation for Geriatric Patients”; and Prof. Ben Thompson, Visiting Professor, shared his findings in the talk titled “New Approaches to the Treatment of Amblyopia: An Update and Future Perspectives”. The Symposium is a pre-approved CPD Programme recognized by the Optometrists Board, Hong Kong and also accredited by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) under the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) for continuing education for optometrists.

White Coat Ceremony 2020

Our Year 4 Optometry students had their White Coat Ceremony virtually on 14 October 2020. In an exceptional time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the School held the first virtual ceremony by presenting the compilation of white coat presentation videos and students’ pledge of optometry oath. We wish the participating students a fruitful clinical learning experience ahead! Prof. Chi-ho To, Head of School shared in his welcoming remarks that he hoped students’ professional call to service would help a lot of patients and it would also bring utmost satisfaction through their interaction with patients. Prof. George Woo, Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor, reminded students in his opening remarks that the white coat symbolizes clinical service and patient care. It shows students’ commitment to transform themselves into a health care professionals with integrity - a professional in whom patients place their trust. White Coat Ceremony Videos White Coat Presentation - https://youtu.be/V7QbY3li0zw Optometric Oath Recitation - https://youtu.be/2vjKskxsV4U

PolyU Education Info Day 2020

The PolyU Education Info Day 2020 was successfully held online on 10 October. The School organized an array of online activities including info seminars, virtual tour to PolyU Optometric Clinic and admission consultation, attracting over 660 visitors to participate in these optometry programme related activities. Info Day provides an excellent platform for secondary school students, parents and the public to obtain first-hand information about our undergraduate programmes, admission requirements and career prospects, as well as receive consultations from our academic staff. Visit the UG Admissions Info Platform for more details about the programme: Info Seminar: https://polyu.hk/JhVSe Student Sharing: https://youtu.be/ZpaE0bnjUCc More details: https://polyu.hk/tMBpB

Home-grown Invention Wins 2020 SILMO d’Or Award

The Defocused Incorporated Multi-Segment (DIMS) lens developed by the School of Optometry, PolyU, in collaboration with Hoya Vision Care, has been awarded the 2020 SILMO d’Or Award (Vision). SILMO is one of the world’s top optical fair and is known for its focus in style, technology and medical developments. Being awarded the prestigious SILMO d’Or underlines the recognition of Prof. Chiho To and Prof. Carly Lam’s research team contributing to myopia management. More Info 2020 SILMO d’Or Award: https://bit.ly/31BMyJr Defocused Incorporated Multi-Segment (DIMS) Lens: https://polyu.hk/vZyVO

World Sight Day 2020 - Myopia Progression during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Echoing the theme “Hope in Sight” of the World Sight Day 2020 and concerning the increasing screen time of schoolchildren during the outbreak of COVID-19, the School and the other five local optometrist associations surveyed on students’ vision. The poll conducted by the School and the other five local optometrist associations, including the Eye Foundation, the Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists, the Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists, the Hong Kong Contact Lens Research Association and the Hong Kong Academy of Orthokeratology, found that students spent around 10 hours a day using electronic devices during class suspension between February and May – 1.1 times more than before. Participants also saw short-sightedness levels increase by an average of minus 0.87 diopters, 16% higher than the usual minus 0.75 diopters. Dr Dennis Tse, Associate Professor of the School, shared, “Myopia is not just a problem that requires refractive error correction. High myopia would increase the risk of a variety of eye diseases which may cause permanent visual impairment and blindness.” Professor George Woo, Emeritus Professor of the School, said, "Myopia control should be implemented on school children as early as possible to prevent high myopia from causing a huge medical burden to parents and the government.” He suggested that the Department of Health to consider strengthening the school children’s vision screening program to facilitate early identification and timely follow-up."