School of Optometry (SO) has received total funding support of HK$2.8 million for two projects from the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) in its 2021 funding exercise.
SO projects encompass myopia control, developing an anti-glaucoma agent and developing drugs for antibiotic and infection treatment. Researchers are among those awarded funding to develop innovative and impactful solutions to enhance the quality of eye and vision healthcare. Their ground-breaking research addresses pressing eye health issues and offer innovative solutions that benefit individuals across all age groups.
Preventive measures in optometry
- Research in primary eye care is of fundamental importance in protecting vision and preventing eye-related disease in the long-term. Dr DO Chi-wai, Associate Professor (SO), leads the project “Characterization of Baicalein, a Natural Molecule, as Anti-glaucoma Agent.” The project is conducting research on baicalein, a natural molecule, to examine its therapeutic significance in treating glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye disease.
- Focusing on myopia control in schoolchildren, Dr CHUN Ka-man Rachel, Research Assistant Professor (SO), leads the project “Combination Effect of Optical Defocus and Low Dose Atropine in Myopia Control – A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The project combines optical and pharmaceutical intervention to control the progression of myopia in schoolchildren.
About HMRF
The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) was established by the Health Bureau in 2011. It aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the health system, enhance healthcare practices, advance the standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through the generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge in health and medicine. In addition to health and medical research, the HMRF also provides support for health promotion projects, research infrastructure and research capacity building initiatives.
