Two SO projects secure funding from the Health and Medical Research Fund for promising healthcare solutions

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.  

Dr Jessica Neuville awarded Fellowship by Higher Education Academy

Dr Jessica Neuville, an Assistant Professor of Practice, has been honored with a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), an accolade that is globally acknowledged as a mark of professional achievement in Higher Education. The Higher Education Academy (now known as Advance HE) is a leading advocate for teaching excellence in higher education, and its fellowships are a testament to an individual's impact, leadership, and practice in teaching and learning.

Special Notice to Patients of PolyU Optometry Clinic

(Updated at 11:00am, 8 Sep 2023) 【Special Notice to Patients of PolyU Optometry Clinic and Community Optometry Centres】 Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force. Due to safety concerrn, the services of the PolyU Optometry Clinic on Hunghom campus, the Integrative Community Health Center in Lai King and the Sik Sik Yuen – PolyU Optometry Centre (Wong Tai Sin Teaching and Learning Centre) will be suspended the whole day (8 September). Our staff will contact the affected patients as soon as possible.  We shall observe the situation closely and make appropriate arrangements. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.   【特別通告—致理大眼科視光學診所及社區保健/教學中心應診人士】 黑色暴雨警告仍然生效。考慮到學生及教職員安全，紅磡理大眼科視光學診所、葵青荔景社區結合保健中心及嗇色園-香港理工大學眼科視光學中心 (黃大仙教學中心)今日（9月8日）全日暫停服務。 診所職員將儘快與受影響應診人士聯絡，更改檢查預約日期。我們將密切跟進情況。特此通知，不便之處，敬希諒解。

SO Academic Receive 2023 FHSS Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching

Congratulations to the following colleagues who have demonstrated outstanding teaching performance in 2022/23 and received recognition from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences!  Faculty Awards in Teaching: Dr Jeffrey Leung, Research Assistant Professor, SO Category: Outstanding Young Teacher – Individual   Faculty Prizes in Teaching: Globalisation of CAR subject using Blended Learning with MOOC Category: Team - Dr Lydia Yu, Clinical Associate, SO (Team Leader) - Dr Jessica Neuville, Clinical Associate, SO   The awardees also received the School of Optometry Teaching Excellence Award 2022/23.  

Centre for Eye and Vision Research and Aier Eye Hospital Group collaborate to drive translational vision research

Forth Run of MOOC about Visual Function and Eye Health on edX

A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed by PolyU School of Optometry about vision science, the first of its kind on the edX platform, is having the third run from 1 July 2023. Develop your understanding of vision and discover how visual functions relate to your daily life. Learn and apply techniques to help you take better care of your eyes. The course consists of 6 modules including structures and functions of the eye, the resolution of the eye, depth perception, colour vision, common eye conditions and how to protect your eyes. Whether you have a background in vision science or not, you are more than welcome to join. Enroll now on edx.org. Take action, the course begins on 1 July 2023! Course Enrollment: https://www.edx.org/course/how-we-see-the-world-visual-function-and-eye-health Course Trailer: https://youtu.be/BGfO6CORAjk Follow Course Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PolyUOPT101x

PolyU collaborates with Tianjin Medical University to establish scientific collaborative research platform to identify causes of eye disease and construct screening system

SO PhD Graduate Awarded RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship 2023/24

Dr PAN Li, under the guidance of Dr Do Chi-wai, has been honored with the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme (PDFS) for 2023/24. The PDFS is designed to support doctoral graduates in their pursuit of research careers, leveraging the expertise of the University and its researchers. In this round, five candidates from PolyU were selected by the RGC for this prestigious award. Dr Pan's research project, titled "Development of Baicalein as an Immune Modulator to Treat Age-related Macular Degeneration," will benefit from further investigation thanks to this fellowship. The RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme is an annual initiative that provides support to 50 awardees for a 36-month full-time appointment as postdoctoral fellows at universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). The scheme covers all academic disciplines and is divided into two broad academic streams: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies; and Science, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology.

School of Optometry Teaching Excellence Award 2022/23

Congratulations to the following awardees who have demonstrated outstanding performance in teaching in 2022/23!  Individual Category Dr Jeffrey Leung, Research Assistant Professor Team Category "Globalisation of CAR subject using Blended Learning with MOOC" Members:  Dr Lydia Yu, Clinical Associate Dr Jessica Neuville, Clinical Associate  

PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2023

PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2023 was held at the campus on 20 May 2023. On the event day, the School of Optometry organized the information seminar and guided tours of the pre-clinical laboratory. The prospective students acquired comprehensive information regarding the entrance requirements, curriculum, and unique aspects of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Optometry through our interactive activities. By attending these activities, JUPAS applicants will be able to obtain the most recent updates on admission strategies. This will enable them to reassess and finalize their program selections by the end of July. PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2023 [Photo Gallery]