In a groundbreaking initiative, the School of Optometry (SO) at PolyU organized its largest-ever service-learning trip outside Hong Kong in January 2025, bringing together 10 staff members, 28 SO students, and 115 non-SO students from the General University Requirements (GUR) subject titled “Learning through Providing Eye Care and Vision Health to the Community”. This unprecedented group embarked on a mission to provide essential eye care services and foster cultural exchange at Krus Na Ligus Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, and San Vicente Barangay Hall, with support from the University of the Philippines, Manila and Diliman Campus.
This service-learning trip significantly differed from previous experiences in two key aspects. Firstly, the scale of the operation was substantially larger, with 143 students participating compared to the usual 40-50 in past trips. This increase required extensive logistical planning but allowed for a broader community impact. Secondly, this trip ventured into new territory by choosing the Philippines as its destination, introducing students to a fresh cultural context and a unique set of community needs.
Before the trip, students underwent comprehensive training in eye examination procedures and eye care awareness, preparing for meaningful cultural exchange activities. During the trip, the team conducted vision screenings for 1,852 participants, including 980 children from Krus Na Ligas, 782 from San Vicente, and 90 community members. The screenings included visual acuity tests, refractive error assessments, and eye health examinations, with approximately 250 children referred for glasses and follow-up care.
Cultural exchange activities enriched the experience, with students and local children sharing traditional games and performances, fostering goodwill and building lasting connections. This record-breaking trip exemplified the power of service learning in transforming lives and building bridges across cultures, now enhanced by the broader scale and the distinctive Filipino context.
Student Reflections:
Students found the trip to be a highly valuable and enriching experience, describing it as eye-opening and perspective-changing. They appreciated the opportunity to make a tangible difference through vision screening services and were moved by the gratitude expressed by the communities served. The cultural exchange was particularly impactful, with students impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. They reported significant personal growth, enhancing communication, adaptability, and leadership skills. Despite challenges like language barriers and high participant volumes, students suggested improvements for future trips, including better preparation and technology integration.
Staff Reflections:
Dr Ken WAN, Teaching Fellow of SO, expressed being deeply moved by the transformative impact on students, highlighting the power of experiential learning and cultural exchange. He noted the students' enthusiasm to embrace new challenges and connect with local peers. The trip reinforced his commitment to providing diverse, real-world learning opportunities.
Dr Kai Yip CHOI, Research Assistant Professor of SO, a first-time visitor to the Philippines, praised the "Dream Team" of supervisors for successfully managing the large group. He emphasised the trip's role in enhancing civic responsibility and promoting professional exchange, which could benefit the field of optometry and improve access to eye care.
