PRI people

Prof. Thomas Lam completed his undergraduate training with first-class honours in Optometry from PolyU. He was awarded a PhD scholarship to conduct research in proteomics and animal myopia, making him one of the pioneering researchers in global retinal protein profiling and novel protein regulation in the chick myopia model using mass spectrometry techniques. Prof. Lam commenced his academic career in 2008 as a Lecturer in the School of Optometry at PolyU. In 2010, he contributed to the establishment of the first BSc Optometry degree program offered by the University of Manchester (UK), during his time in Singapore. After returning to Hong Kong, he serves as the Director of the PolyU Shenzhen Centralized Animal Facility,  the Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV ), and the Associate Director of the Clinical Trials Unit of SO . 

Prof. Lam possesses a distinguished blend of academic and clinical expertise. He actively contributes to the scholarly community as a member of the editorial boards of international academic journals and as an organizer of global conferences. Additionally, he served as a councilor for The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists (HKSPO) and is a member of the Optometrists Board under the HKSAR Government. Professor Lam is committed to mentoring his team in the realm of translational research. Currently, he is a PI at the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR)  located in HK Science Park, as well as at the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI).  In 2024, PolyU founded the Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute . Professor Lam is the Deputy Director of the Visual Health Innovation R&D Center. The center aims to convert research breakthroughs into real-world applications in Mainland China by forming strategic partnerships with local universities and industry. 

• Bachelor of Science in Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Doctor of Philosophy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Registered Optometrist (Part I)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry