Exciting New CAR Subject: AI in Healthcare (SO1D02) – Register for AY2025/26!

The School of Optometry is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new Cluster Area Requirements (CAR) subject for PolyU undergraduate students in the academic year 2025/26: AI in Healthcare (Code: SO1D02). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, from diagnostics and treatment planning to patient care and research. This innovative subject is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of how AI is transforming healthcare, while also equipping them to critically evaluate its benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations. Why enrol in AI in Healthcare (SO1D02)? Explore the Future of Healthcare: Discover how AI technologies are reshaping medical practice and healthcare delivery. Debunk Myths: Learn to identify and challenge common misconceptions about AI in healthcare. Advocate for Responsible Use: Gain the knowledge to promote ethical and responsible AI adoption in healthcare settings. Interdisciplinary Learning: Benefit from a curriculum that bridges technology, data science, and healthcare. Indicative Syllabus Highlights: Introduction to AI Application of AI in Healthcare Healthcare Data Mining Generative AI Models (Image Generation / Language Generation / Foundation Model) Ethical Issues of AI in Healthcare Deployment of AI in Healthcare What AI Can and Can’t Do in Healthcare Whether you are interested in healthcare, technology, or simply want to understand one of the most impactful trends of our time, this subject will provide you with valuable insights and skills for your future career. Don’t miss this opportunity! Register for AI in Healthcare (SO1D02) and be part of the next generation of leaders shaping the future of healthcare. For more information, please refer to the Subject Description Form. 

Special Notice to Patients of PolyU Optometry Clinic

(Updated at 10:30am, 5 Aug 2025) 【Special Notice to Patients of PolyU Optometry Clinic and Community Optometry Centres】 Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force. Due to safety concern, 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 for the whole day (5 Aug). 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. (8月5日早上10:30分更新) 【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】 黑色暴雨警告現正生效。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（8月5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。

PolyU Optometry Clinic 40th Anniversary – “Clear Vision for a Great Future” Colouring Competition, Slogan Design & Quiz Competition Award Ceremony, and “Little Optometrists” Event

The PolyU Optometry Clinic celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of engaging events on June 28, including the “Clear Vision for a Great Future” Colouring Competition, Slogan Design & Quiz Competition Award Ceremony, and the “Little Optometrists” event for the winners. The celebration attracted over 80 winning students and their parents, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The award ceremony was graced by Prof. Andrew Lam, Professor and Associate Head of the School of Optometry at PolyU, who served as the award presenter. In his speech, Prof. Lam congratulated the winning students and emphasized the importance of eye care and cherishing our precious vision. Dr Rita Shum, Associate Consultant Optometrist and Clinic In-Charge of the Optometry Clinic, also presented awards and took the opportunity to introduce the Optometry programme and share the rich history of the Clinic with the participants. Before and after the award ceremony, the organizers hosted two sessions of the “Little Optometrists” event. Each participant received a small white coat, symbolizing professionalism and responsibility. Guided by registered optometrists from the Clinic, the young participants toured the facilities, learned about daily operations, and became familiar with various instruments. They also had the unique opportunity to experience the role of an optometrist by checking their parents’ eyes, putting their new knowledge into practice. Additionally, participants attended an eye care seminar and created their own 3D visual models, allowing them to express their creativity. Congratulations once again to all the winning students and schools, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported this event. PolyU Optometry Clinic 40th Anniversary – “Clear Vision for a Great Future” Colouring Competition, Slogan Design & Quiz Competition Award Ceremony, and “Little Optometrists” Event [Photo Gallery]

Short Course on Orthokeratology Principles and Management

The School of Optometry is pleased to announce that a limited number of study places in the Short Course on Orthokeratology Principles and Management will be available to subject-based students from September to December 2025.  ‘Orthokeratology Principles and Management’ is a subject under the Doctor of Optometry (DOptom) programme. This unique course provides state-of-the-art professional training in orthokeratology practice and management for optometry practitioners. In addition to classroom teaching, it offers comprehensive skills training to enhance students’ clinical techniques and professional expertise. The classes typically held 3-4 weekday evenings per week during the teaching weeks. For course details and admission requirements, please click here. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, as admissions are processed on a rolling basis until all vacancies are filled. Note: * This is a pre-approved CPD activity for registered optometrists in HKSAR. Participants who request the CPD credit proof must fulfil the attendance requirements of the course. [CPD Activity Code: POLY2501; CPD Points: Up to 78, according to actual attendance (Category 1) (For Optometrist*)] For enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at so.doptom@polyu.edu.hk or 2766 4863.

Prof. PAN Feng Wins UBSN Best Paper Silver Award 2025

We are delighted to announce that Prof. PAN Feng, Associate Professor of SO, has been awarded the UBSN Best Paper Silver Award 2025 for his research paper titled "Photoreceptor-Mimetic Microflowers for Restoring Light Responses in Degenerative Retina through a 2D Nanopetal/Cell Biointerface". The UBSN Best Paper Award is a recognition that honors UBSN users for their outstanding contributions to academic research published in the past year. The award aims to promote excellence in neuroscience research and to support the advancement of high-quality studies conducted by UBSN Principal Investigators. 

PolyU Optometry Clinic 40th Anniversary - “Clear Vision for a Great Future” Activities Result Announcement

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Optometry Clinic, we organized two competitions and invited primary school students from across Hong Kong to participate. These competitions aim to raise public awareness about the importance of eye care, encourage attention to eye health and vision development from an early age, and help prepare for a bright future with healthy vision. The response has been enthusiastic, with over a thousand entries received from primary school students of all grades. The results are as follows: [40th Anniversary of PolyU Optometry Clinic - Clear Vision for a Great Future Colouring Competition] winners include:  Champion:  Kwan Hoi Chun   1st Runner-up:  Wong Yee Lam  2nd Runner-up:  Chan Man Hei  Outstanding Award (7 winners):  Li Cheuk Him  Cheng Cheuk Hei  Chang Ka Hei  Lai Cheuk Kiu Scarlett  Tsang Ho Wai Victoria  Cheng Tsz Kiu  Jonia Cheung Sze Ching   Merit Award (15 winners):  Cheung Ngai Lam  Chang Ka Lam  Lui Man Wai  Tam Yik Tung  Ko Chung Hei  Pau Shing Hong  Wong Wing Suet Angel  Wong Sze Ching Cara  Chan Hau Chin  Yu Sum Yiu Clarence  Tong Yat Hei  Leung Tsz Yau  Leung Hoi Teng  Cheng Yau Sun  Amelia Serene Tso  The Most Active Participation School Award:  Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School  [40th Anniversary of PolyU Optometry Clinic - Clear Vision for a Great Future Slogan Design and Quiz Competition] winners include:  Champion:   Fung Joshua  1st Runner-up:  Wan Joey   2nd Runner-up:  Wong To Long , Aiden  Outstanding Award (7 winners):  Cheung Jarvis Hoi Yin  Leung Yuk Fan  Lam Chin Yui  Julia Zeng  Athena Ng Chi Kei  Ip Man Ka  Kwok Ho Sum  Merit Award (15 winners):  Kwok Kwan Yin  Fung Tsz Ching  Zhao Yilun  Chan Hei Yu Aaliyah  Ma Sum Wing  Fan Chun Yu  Athena Lau Yee Kiu  Zhen Pung Yu Sophia  Zhao Qianyu  Amie Chin Sze Wing  Chow Sze Wai  Janette Leung Sum Yu  Mary Wong  Yip Sum Yau Abbie  Leung Hiu Yuet Hannah  The Most Active Participation School Award:  St. Mary's Canossian School  Congratulations to all the winners listed above. We will contact you about the award presentation details. Once again, thank you to every participant for your involvement.    

PhD Student Lau Kin Hei received Best Student Presenter Award

Mr Lau Kin Hei, MPhil student at the School, has been awarded the Best Student Presenter Award for his exceptional performance in the Research Seminars in Semester 2, AY2024/25. His presentation was titled "Sports Vision: An Optometric Perspective and Preliminary Findings on Gaze Behaviors and Visual-Motor Skills in Athletes". The School hosts the Research Seminar Series biannually to foster academic dialogue among students and offer them a platform to present their research findings.

PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2025

The PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2025 wrapped up successfully on 24 May, drawing a large number of DSE candidates to the campus.  Over a hundred students and parents attended an exclusive student-sharing session, gaining valuable insights into School of Optometry's admission strategies and career opportunities. They also interacted with academic staff and student ambassadors from the School of Optometry, gaining a deeper understanding of the programme's unique features and learning experiences. ‍ Learn more about PolyU's JUPAS programmes: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/jupas

Optometry Students Win the 2nd Runner-up of Product Innovation Prize

We are delighted to announce that a team of our undergraduate students has achieved the 2nd Runner-Up in the “Dr Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024-25” competition. This event, initiated by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) and supported by the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP), attracted submissions from 26 teams, with only 8 teams shortlisted for the final round. Our winning team—AU Tsz Ching, Chan Ka Hei, and Chow Ho Yin (all Year 4, BSc (Hons) in Optometry)—impressed the judges with their innovative project titled AmblyoPatch – An Innovative Solution for Amblyopia. Developed at U3DP and IC, their prototype aims to provide a creative and practical solution for individuals affected by amblyopia, demonstrating the positive societal impact that engineering and product design can achieve. Reflecting on their journey, the team shared: “Winning 2nd runner-up in the 3D printing competition with our ‘AmblyoPatch’ prototype has been an incredibly meaningful journey, offering unique learning opportunities. Previously, we had only used various tools from an end-user's perspective. Through this competition, we have gained invaluable insights into viewing these tools from a designer's perspective, understanding their working principles and limitations. It was inspiring to take the concepts we learned in the Clinical Binocular Vision lectures and transform them into a tangible product that could potentially help treat amblyopia. Seeing our ideas come to life—from understanding the science of polarizers to designing and 3D printing a functional device—showed us the true power of combining theory with hands-on innovation. This experience not only deepened our learning about amblyopia and its treatments but also motivated us to continue pursuing product design with the goal of making a real difference in people’s lives.” We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and their commitment to innovation and social impact. Congratulations once again to AU Tsz Ching, Chan Ka Hei, and Chow Ho Yin for their outstanding performance!

SO 3MT Competition 2025

The School of Optometry successfully hosted the Three Minute Thesis Competition on 21 May 2025. This challenging platform allows postgraduate students to showcase their academic, presentation, and research communication skills by condensing their extensive research into an engaging three-minute presentation, making their work accessible to a general audience. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone for participating! Name Presentation Title Chief Supervisor Award Ms Nandini RAVI A Link between Colour vision and Myopia Prof. Henry Chan Champion Ms WANG Xinyue Using tears as a non- invasive source for early detection of multi-class disease Prof. Zhou Lei First Runner-up Mr SZE Ying Hon Light-Switch Eyes: New Ways to Slow Myopia Prof. Thomas Lam Second Runner-up