The 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium

The 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium (HKIOS), a collaborative effort by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, The Hong Kong Optometric Association, and the School of Optometry of PolyU, was successfully conducted in a hybrid format on 9 November 2023. The symposium saw the participation of over 850 attendees in person and attracted more than 1,510 viewers online. The widespread use of ChatGPT and remote medical consultations have propelled artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine into the mainstream, including in the treatment of vision problems. Theming "Empowering Community Eye Care through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine in Optometry", this year's 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium brought together six professionals from Mainland China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong to discuss the developments in AI and tele-optometry. They explored how technology could potentially improve the daily life quality of the visually impaired and alleviate staffing pressures in primary healthcare. The discussion also touched upon the implications of technological advancements on the employment prospects of optometrists. Dr Jessica Neuville, Assistant Professor of Practice at the School, moderated the morning session. Prof. Mingguang He, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology at the School, delivered a talk on "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Brighter Future in Primary Eye Care". The HKIOS received support from the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) under the HKSAR Government. More photos are available at Gallery.  

PolyU School of Optometry signed MoU with the College of Ophthalmology of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Prof. Chea-su KEE, Head of School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision, attended the 6th Annual Meeting of the Ophthalmology Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, the Huaxia Ophthalmology Forum, and the first "Eye and Health" Huangpu Forum on October 28th at the Guangzhou Knowledge City International Convention and Exhibition Center. During the meeting, Prof. Kee represented the School to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prof. LU Xuejing, Dean of the School of Ophthalmology at Chengdu University of TCM and Vice President of the InEye Hospital at Chengdu University of TCM. Both parties expressed their commitment to further advance student training, research collaboration, and clinical services according to the framework of the MoU.

Results Announcement of the #LoveYourEyes Photo/Short Video Competition

The School of Optometry is glad to announce the winners of the "LoveYourEyes Photo/Short Video Competition." This exciting competition, exclusively available to current SO students and staff members, aimed to inspire everyone to cherish their eyes and celebrate annual World Sight Day. We received many outstanding entries, and it is with great pleasure that we present the 3 winning posts that received the Most-LIKE among the rest.   Please join us in congratulating the winners: Ms WONG Chun Ki, Angel, Senior Optometrist [Post] Ms LAI Yan Yu, Year 2 Optometry Student [Post] Mr KAM Kei Ching, Year 2 Optometry Student [Post] Our warmest congratulations to all the winners!

SO PhD Graduate Dr Pan Li Awarded the PolyU Outstanding PhD Thesis Award 2023

Congratulations to SO PhD graduates, Dr PAN Li, on receiving the PolyU Outstanding PhD Thesis Award 2023.  Under the supervision of Dr DO Chi-wai, Associate Professor of SO, Dr Pan has demonstrated distinctive research achievements through her graduation thesis which contributed to retinal neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. This award also symbolises the recognition of her endeavour to advance knowledge with applications. Dr Pan is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow of the School. 

PolyU and Rohto join forces to establish the Centre of Research Excellence for Eye Care

Student Award Ceremony 2022/23

The School of Optometry organized the Student Award Ceremony 2022/23 on 28 August 2023 to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of 30 undergraduate students. A total of 18 awards were presented to these outstanding individuals in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to serving the community. Following the award presentation, Mr Wong Ming-hong and Mr Tai Cheuk-yiu, the student representatives, shared their enriching academic journeys at PolyU, inspiring their peers with their accomplishments and experiences. Our warmest congratulations to all the scholarship and award recipients.   Student Award Ceremony 2022/23 [Photo Gallery]   Name of Award/ Scholarship Awardee Carl Zeiss Award for Young Researcher Ms NG Ming Wai Essilor Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing Scholarship Ms TAM Fuk Ying FreshKon Award Mr Wong Ming Hong Mr. Colman Chan Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme Ms CHENG Wenqian Ms JIANG Kaixin The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists Best Community Project Award Mr CHAN King Fai Ms DUN Sze Chung Ms LEE Cheuk Ling  Ms KONG Pui Hang Ms KWOK Oi Lam Ms KWONG Mei Yan  Mr LAM Wai Hin Mr WAN Sze Hoi   Mr TAI Cheuk Yiu  Mr TSE Tsz Kwan  Luxottica Best Clinical Performance Award for Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry  Mr TSUI Man Lok  Luxottica Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme Ms CHOW Wing Chun Tracy  Johnson & Johnson Vision Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme  Ms Wu Tiffany Hiu Yan  Mr WONG Ming Hong  Mr CHOY Pak Tao Joyce C. D. Leung Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme  Ms KWAN Wing Yee  Ms KWOK Hei Yi  Ms LAU Ka Ki  Queenie Yip Scholarship for Overseas Student Exchange Programme  Ms SUNG Yat Kiu  Mr ZHONG Jianwei  PolyVision Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Mr LIU Wai Cheung  Mr TAI Cheuk Yiu  Mr WAN Sze Hoi  Skyview Optical Scholarship for the Best Year 2 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry  Mr CHAN Zi Wun  Chan Wing On Scholarship Ms TSUI Pui Hang  HOYA Excellence in Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing Scholarship  Ms WONG Wing Lam  HOYA Scholarship for the Best Year 4 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry  Mr TAI Cheuk Yiu  The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Best Final Year Student Optometrist Award  Ms CHAN Hei Lam  The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Prize for the Best Year 1 Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry Mr YANG Yang The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists Academic Excellence Award for the Best Final Year Student in BSc (Hons) in Optometry  Mr TSUI Man Lok 

White Coat Ceremony 2023

The School of Optometry held the White Coat Ceremony on 28 August 2023. Amidst the presence of faculty members, mentors, and peers, 45 Year 4 students in optometry took the optometric oath, pledging their commitment to upholding professional ethics throughout their clinical placements and future careers. With great significance, the students received their white coats from academic advisors, symbolizing their entry into the esteemed eye care profession. In his opening remarks, Prof. Andrew Lam, Associate Head (Programmes and Clinical Training) of the School, reminded students of the white coat's representation of clinical service and healthcare. He urged them to embrace their responsibilities and utilize their acquired knowledge to serve the public diligently. The School of Optometry White Coat Ceremony has been organized since 2015, aiming to highlight the white coat's symbolic importance for a clinician. The fourth-year optometry students will start their clinical training in the following two years after the ceremony. White Coat Ceremony 2023 [Photo Gallery]

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。