Studying optometry at PolyU is fruitful and rewarding. The School offers a wide variety of courses and activities that allow students to enrich their knowledge and explore their interests and potential, as well as develop their interpersonal skills. In particular, comprehensive theoretical courses, practical sessions and extensive clinical placement equip students with professional knowledge and skills. The School also organises vision screening targeting people of different age groups and backgrounds to inspire students to give back to society. The well-structured curriculum nurtures students to be competent, caring and responsible primary eye-care providers. Throughout students’ learning journeys, professors, supervisors, and senior staff are always supportive and willing to offer guidance and share their learning experiences. I had an enjoyable time studying at PolyU, and I am ready to apply what I have learned to provide quality optometric care to the community. I am grateful to the School for providing me with invaluable learning experiences and preparing me for my future career.

The Optometry programme empowers its graduates to become competent optometrists by providing comprehensive knowledge on both theoretical and practical aspects of the optometry field. By attending clinical placements under supervision, students learn to diagnose and manage various ocular conditions in patients from diverse backgrounds while also learning from different clinical supervisors. In addition to acquiring knowledge related to optometry, I was able to participate in vision screenings for the community that are regularly organised by the school. This not only allowed me to serve the community by applying what I had learned but also provided me with valuable experiences that were essential for my professional growth. I am grateful for all the opportunities I had during my 5 years of study, as they have shaped me into an independent practitioner. I cherish all of the memories from my time at the university and will carry these with me to the next chapter of my life. I look forward to continuing to work diligently to serve the best interests of my patients.

The Optometry programme equips students with knowledge and skills required to become competent primary healthcare practitioners. Apart from acquiring knowledge of ocular health in class, students are guided by supervisors to perform eye examinations and manage eye diseases during clinical placements. The School also regularly arranges local and overseas vision screenings for different target groups, such as people with special needs, elderly people and children. By participating in these activities and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I learned that a caring attitude and patience are essential qualities for an optometrist. I am glad that my occupation allows me to contribute to the community and help those in need.

The Optometry programme equipped me for the future by providing excellent opportunities to explore various career options. In addition to gaining the knowledge and skillsets to become an optometrist, I developed a thorough understanding of the optometric field through clinical placements, attachments, overseas exchanges, and studentship programmes.

We might once have regarded university as a destination, but it is in fact a new start. My experience as a student assistant as part of my Summer Research Studentship motivated me to enter the academic world as a research postgraduate. I am proud to be an optometrist and a junior vision researcher!

PolyU’s 5-year Optometry programme not only gave me in-depth knowledge of eye structures and diseases but also equipped me with the skills to become a competent eye-care service professional. Throughout my studies and clinical placements, my supervisors provided generous support and guidance.

Studying optometry has instilled in me a sense of commitment to serving others. Today, I am able to identify, diagnose, and treat eye problems in patients. It’s satisfying to know that I can help people to see clearly again.

After graduation, I secured a position at the PolyU Optometry Clinic as a resident optometrist, which involves pursuing new knowledge through continuous reflective practice. In the future, I hope to learn more about specialised contact lenses, such as orthokeratological lenses for myopia control in children and rigid lenses that improve vision in patients with irregular corneas. I aim to broaden my knowledge to enhance my ability to serve an increasing number of people.

My university life studying optometry has equipped me with the expert knowledge and clinical skills required to become a primary eye-care provider. I have gained clinical experience that has broadened my exposure to the optometry field. In addition to this local clinical training, I have participated in exchange programmes with the University of Melbourne, the Tianjin Eye Hospital, and the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre. These exchange experiences have enriched my knowledge on the investigation, diagnosis and management of various eye-related problems.

The Optometry programme not only shapes us to become competent professionals but also helps us to focus on social responsibility. Participating in local and overseas vision screenings allowed me to connect with the community and the world by applying what I had learnt in the classroom to help people in need. Participating as a volunteer provider of vision screenings in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Cambodia, and Vietnam was extremely rewarding. We performed various screening tests and prescribed glasses for patients. Every smile and “thank you” warmed our hearts.

During my studies in the School of Optometry, clinical training in local and overseas clinics allowed me to gain experience in the investigation, diagnosis, and management of vision and eye diseases. I also gained a competitive edge by taking part in exchanges at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre in mainland China and at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, an experience that broadened my global outlook.

In addition to cultivating knowledge and skills, the School nurtures students to become socially responsible through active engagement in community projects in Hong Kong, rural areas of the Chinese mainland, and developing countries. My participation in various vision screenings helped me to realise how important the role of an optometrist is – educating the public on the importance of vision and eye care is an indispensable part of healthcare.

Optometrists are frontline vision-care providers. If you are passionate about serving others and willing to face challenges, the School will support you in becoming a guardian of vision!