In memory of Prof. Michel Millodot, Emeritus Professor of Optometry, former Dean of FHSS and Head of School

It is with great sadness that the School notes the passing of Prof. Michel Millodot, Emeritus Professor of Optometry, former Dean of FHSS, former Head of the predecessor of SO and an inspirational mentor to a generation of optometry academics in Hong Kong, Israel and the UK.   Prof. Millodot joined the then Hong Kong Polytechnic in 1990 as Head of the then Department of Diagnostic Sciences and later as Dean of FHSS. Ever conscious of the professional nature of the disciplines hosted by the department, he championed the re-titling of the department to the Department of Optometry and Radiography. His tenure marked the beginning of fundamental research underpinning professional disciplines in the department, a vision which has propelled PolyU-Optometry research to world-class standing today.   Prof. Millodot oversaw the faculty’s transition as the then polytechnic became a university in 1994. His considerable experience in established western universities contributed to a rapid and smooth transition of the faculty’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to university-level standing. Throughout, his heart was never too far from optometry as he continued to mentor and collaborate with young optometry scholars. His mild manner, readiness to listen and coach, and infinite kindness made him the “favourite uncle”of optometry academics and students.   When Prof. Millodot retired from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1996, he was appointed Professor Emeritus of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He kept in touch with many of us in the School, always happy to hear when we do well. He continued his interest in research, publishing as recent as 2020.   Prof. Millodot, our beloved favourite uncle, has left an indelible legacy on PolyU-Optometry which can be seen in the enthusiasm of the young scientists in the cutting edge basic science laboratories of the School and Faculty. His vision, health disciplines underpinned by strong fundamental scientific research, continues to shine brightly in the PolyU.

Prof. George Woo to receive Honorary Doctorate from Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Prof. George Woo, Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor at PolyU’s School of Optometry receives honorary doctorates from Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) in recognition of his valuable achievements and exceptional contributions to academia and society. The conferment ceremony will be held on 1 December.   A world-renowned leader in optometry and vision science, Prof. George Woo has a significant impact on global eye health. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo in Canada, and obtained his MSc and PhD degrees in Physiological Optics from Indiana University in the United States. He is a Fellow and a Diplomate in Low Vision of the American Academy of Optometry.   Prof. Woo started his academic career in the University of Waterloo in 1970 and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1996. From 1987 to 1990, he played a pivotal role in promoting the development of optometry when he was serving as the founding Head and Professor of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences of the then Hong Kong Polytechnic, where he earned the title Emeritus Professor from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2011.   Besides serving on numerous local and international optometry, health and research committees, Prof. Woo is also a passionate volunteer of The Samaritan. Apart from looking after patients with physical impairment, he also extended his concern towards the mental health of people. He later became the Chairman of The Samaritans’ Board of Directors from 2015 to 2019, leading it in expanding the scope of services to protect lives.   Prof. Woo's eminent accomplishments in optometry, as well as altruistic devotion and full display of humanitarian spirit were highly remarked. He was awarded the “Hong Kong Humanity Award 2020” from Hong Kong Red Cross in 2020.

Webinar on Children Myopia Control

The prevalence of short-sightedness in Hong Kong school children have increased amid the pandemic. One of the reasons was that school children spent too much time on screen for classes. What impact will it cause on eye health in the long run? PolyU School of Optometry is holding a webinar on 30 October (Saturday). Dr Lydia Yu will discuss the causes of myopia and introduce myopia control and prevention measures. (Programme in Cantonese)   Register now! https://polyu.hk/LhnZp (Limited quota. First come, first served.)

PolyU Optometry to Launch Eye and Vision Research Centre under InnoHK Cluster

In support of the Hong Kong government’s new initiative, InnoHK Clusters, which aims to develop Hong Kong as a hub for global research collaboration, PolyU School of Optometry has joined forces with the University of Waterloo in Canada to develop research centre under the newly established research cluster – Health@InnoHK (focusing on healthcare related technologies), in a bid to bring together leading researchers from around the world to conduct impactful collaborative research in Hong Kong. The School is pleased to establish the world-class Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) at the Hong Kong Science Park under the government-funded InnoHK initiative. The CEVR aims at facilitating global interdisciplinary collaborations in research and commercialisation of resultant new technologies to prevent vision loss or restore healthy vision. Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Professor Wing-tak Wong, is pleased with the University’s contribution to the InnoHK initiative, stating that, “Innovation and technology (I&T) has always been one of the key drivers of economic development. With the rapid development of the Nation and the Greater Bay Area bringing unprecedented opportunities for I&T, Hong Kong will play an even more important role in the ongoing process of innovation.” He added, “By partnering with world-acclaimed institutions to establish research centres in InnoHK’s two research clusters, PolyU hopes to fully leverage each institution’s academic strengths to bring about significant research breakthroughs, and thereby create impactful technology that boosts the economy and brings benefits to society.” Bob Lemieux, Dean of Science at the University of Waterloo said, “We are proud to be partnering with an exceptional institution like PolyU on this critical initiative. CEVR is already bringing the University of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial culture to Hong Kong as the research team tackles the world’s biggest questions in the field of vision science – from discovery and clinical application to commercialisation.” Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) Under the Health@InnoHK cluster, CEVR has been set up as a joint partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo, Canada. CEVR promotes eye health with clinical, basic and applied research, and develops ground-breaking technologies to prevent vision loss and preserve sight among the ageing population. CEVR runs five research programmes, namely Myopia and Eye Growth, Ocular Drug Discovery and Delivery, Vision Enhancement, Tear Film and Ocular Surface, and Advanced Optometric Technology. For more details about the CEVR, please visit https://cevr.hk.

PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2021

The PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2021 was successfully held on 10 October in hybrid mode. The School organized various activities, including info seminars, guided tours to pre-clinical lab and admission consultations, attracting over 710 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://youtu.be/4I4Ei3Dto64 More details: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/infoday

SO Academics appointed as leaders of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV)

Prof. To Chi-ho, Head of School and Dr Kee Chea-su, Associate Professor and Associate Head of School are appointed as the Director and Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision respectively. The Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) was established on 1 October 2021 which aspires to be a world leader in the creation of knowledge and solutions for the promotion of healthy life-long sharp vision. Through cutting-edge basic and applied research by a strong research team with expertise ranging from biological to clinical sciences, and from data science to engineering, RCSV aims to promote healthy development of vision, to maintain healthy life-long sharp vision, as well as to restore, regenerate and rehabilitate vision.

Call for Nominations - Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Optometry 2022

The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, formerly known as the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Department of Radiography and Optometry, was established in 1978. The School of Optometry has been committed to pursuing quality teaching and undertaking impactful research with the dedicated efforts of competent faculty members, clinical staff, and researchers. Our Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Optometry and Doctor of Health Science (Optometry) programmes as well as on-campus teaching clinic are recognized as among the best in Asia. Over the past four decades, the School has nurtured over 1,400 graduates to promote and deliver high-quality vision care to the community. The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Optometry aims to give public recognition to the outstanding graduates for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. For details, please refer to polyu.edu.hk/so/alumni/outstanding-alumni-award-of-polyu-school-of-optometry.

Application for Admission to Research Postgraduate Programmes

The School is now inviting applications for admission to our research postgraduate programmes. For details, please refer to the following pages: Research Postgraduate Programmes Projects Recruiting Research Students Enquiry Please address your enquiries to Departmental Research Committee Secretary (email: so.rpg@polyu.edu.hk).

Student Award Ceremony 2020/21

The School of Optometry held the Student Award Ceremony 2020/21 on 26 August 2021 to present 13 awards to 11 undergraduate students in recognition of their outstanding academic performance. At the ceremony, Prof. Maurice Yap, Chair Professor of Optometry and K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry of the School, congratulated the awardees and appreciated all the donors for their generous contribution. With donors’ continuous support, students could broaden their exposure to various learning experiences and be encouraged to excel in dispensing, practice management, academic performance and research. By the end of the ceremony, Miss Chan Hiu Tung Toby, Year 5 student representative, shared her delightful study journey throughout the years. Our warmest congratulations go to the scholarship and award recipients. More photos on Facebook . Name of Award/ Scholarship Awardee Carl Zeiss Award for Young Researcher Ms CHAN Hiu Tung Toby Essilor Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing Scholarship Mr LEUNG Yan Lok Lucas FreshKon Award Ms WONG Ching Laam HOYA Excellence in Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing Scholarship Ms FUNG Wing Shan HOYA Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Ms CHANG Yuet Mei Luxottica Best Clinical Performance Award for Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Ms WONG Ching Laam PolyU Scholarship Mr NG Long Lam PolyU Scholarship Mr TSUI Man Lok PolyVision Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Ms CHANG Yuet Mei Ms LAI Hui Ching Lotus Ms CHU Wing Chi Skyview Optical Scholarship for the Best Year 2 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Mr TAI Cheuk Yiu The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Prize for the Best Year 1 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Ms TSUI Pui Hang The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Best Final Year Student Optometrist Award Ms WONG Ching Laam The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Academic Excellence Award for the Best Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Ms CHAN Hiu Tung Toby

White Coat Ceremony 2021

The School of Optometry held the White Coat Ceremony 2021 on 26 August, in which 44 Year 4 students in optometry took the optometric oath to uphold professional ethics and conducts throughout their clinical placement and career. Under the witness of faculty members, mentors and peers, the Year 4 students were conferred white coats by their academic advisors, which signify their entrance into the eye care profession. Prof. George Woo, Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor, reminded students in his opening remarks that the white coat symbolizes clinical service and patient care. Students should bear the profession's responsibilities and assume their obligations by using the professional knowledge they have learned to serve the public after receiving the white coat. The White Coat Ceremony has been organized since 2015, which aims to highlight the symbolic importance of the white coat for a clinician. The fourth-year optometry students will start their clinical training in the future two years after the ceremony. More photos on Facebook.