PolyU and Eyebright Medical forge comprehensive collaboration, deepening industry-academia-research synergy to advance vision care and optometry development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Eyebright Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Eyebright Medical) signed an agreement today to establish a multi-faceted partnership. Both parties will engage in comprehensive collaboration across three core areas: joint research and development, clinical translation, and talent cultivation, with the aim of building a long-term and robust strategic synergy mechanism. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Dr XIE Jiangbing, Founder, Chairman and General Manager of Eyebright Medical, represented the two parties in signing the agreement.

PolyU visual rehabilitation programme receives donation from Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation, joining hands to benefit visually impaired individuals and promote social inclusion

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a generous donation from the Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation to launch the PolyU–Wu Jieh Yee Charitable Foundation “i.m.VisionCare” programme. A four-year initiative led by the PolyU School of Optometry, it brings together an interdisciplinary team of visual rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors and social workers. Utilising artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the team will provide personalised visual rehabilitation training and support for people with visual impairments and their families. The programme is projected to benefit over 1,000 visually impaired individuals and 2,000 caregivers, while also training around 800 future healthcare and social work professionals. It will additionally drive interdisciplinary innovative research, fostering the long-term sustainable development of visual rehabilitation services in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Early Closure of PolyU Optometry Clinic and Community Optometry Centres

【Clinic Special Opening Hours】 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 have early closure on the following days. Thank you for your attention. 24 Dec 2025 (Wed) - Closed at 1:00pm 31 Dec 2025 (Wed) - Closed at 4:00pm   【診所特別營業時間】 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) 於下列日子提前休息。特此通知。 2025年12月24日（星期三） - 下午1時休息 2025年12月31日（星期三） - 下午4時休息

PhD Student LIANG Yuanyuan received Best Student Presenter Award

Ms LIANG Yuanyuan, PhD student at the School, has been awarded the Best Student Presenter Award for her exceptional performance in the Research Student Forum in Semester 1, AY2025/26. Her presentation was titled "Spatial Corneal Proteomes in Astigmatic Chicks". The School hosts the Research Student Forum Series biannually to foster academic dialogue among students and offer them a platform to present their research findings.

PolyU School of Optometry, Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and University of Macau Join Forces to Establish the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Ophthalmology Alliance” to Promote Eye Health Development in the Greater Bay Area

The School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center at Sun Yat-sen University, and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Macau signed a cooperation agreement today, officially establishing the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Ophthalmology Alliance.” The signing ceremony was held in Guangzhou on December 7, marking the official launch of in-depth collaboration in ophthalmic medicine, optometry, and vision science among the three regions.   The “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Ophthalmology Alliance” aims to pool medical, health, and academic resources from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and to promote exchange and cooperation in ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment, visual health, and scientific research. The Alliance will focus on the following areas: Talent Development: The three parties will exchange clinical doctors, researchers, and students for short-term or long-term training, exchanges, and professional lectures, enhancing the overall standard of ophthalmology and optometry professionals in the three regions. Scientific Research: The Alliance will organize collaborative research on cutting-edge ophthalmic treatment solutions, clinical drug trials, and artificial intelligence-based eye disease screening, promoting major technological projects and the application of innovative medical technologies. Collaborative Innovation: The three parties will jointly build a clinical translation platform for ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment technologies, promoting integrated academic and research development of new ophthalmic drugs and advanced medical devices. International Exchange: The Alliance will host international ophthalmology and optometry academic summits, promote mutual recognition and international promotion of ophthalmic technology standards among the three regions, and enhance the Greater Bay Area’s influence in the global eye health sector. On the same day, the School of Optometry at PolyU and the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center at Sun Yat-sen University also held a launch ceremony for the “Cataract Patient Referral Program,” further strengthening medical collaboration between the two regions and providing more convenient and high-quality cross-border medical services for patients in need. Professor KEE Chea-su, Head of the School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Sun Yat-sen University and the University of Macau, leveraging the strengths of the three regions to promote the development of eye health and vision science in the Greater Bay Area. In the future, the Alliance will continue to deepen talent exchanges, scientific research cooperation, and clinical translation, benefiting more members of the public.” The signing of this cooperation agreement marks a new milestone in ophthalmic medical and optometry collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, laying a solid foundation for promoting regional medical innovation and the development of the health sector.

The 31st Congregation

The 31st Congregation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University marked a remarkable milestone of the Class of 2025 School of Optometry graduates. The School has 43 Bachelor’s Degree graduates and 4 Doctor of Philosophy graduates this year. May our graduates carry the professional spirit to serve the community and fly high! Our warmest congratulations on your achievements! The Dean's Honours List Congratulations to the following graduates who have been selected and named on the Dean's Honours List 2024/25: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Optometry LAM Jing Yiu LEE Ngai Shan   Faculty Distinguished Thesis Award Congratulations to the following PhD graduate who have been awarded the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Distinguished Thesis Award: Dr LIANG Dong Thesis Title: Astigmatism and axial length in humans Chief Supervisor: Prof. KEE Chea-su Dr ZHANG Jing Thesis Title: Crucial role of CD33 in microglial responses and photoreceptor survival in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa Chief Supervisor: Prof. LIN Bin   Snapshots and photos of the 31st Congregation [Photo Gallery]

Optometry Clinic 40th Anniversary Celebration cum Alumni Reunion 2025

Optometry Clinic 40th Anniversary Celebration & Alumni Reunion was successfully held on the evening of 28 October, marking a memorable finale to the clinic’s anniversary events. Alumni from various cohorts gathered at the Optometry Clinic, where they were warmly welcomed by school staff and enjoyed a guided tour of the clinic and teaching facilities. Many alumni were impressed by the School’s equipment and fondly reminisced about their campus days. Following the tour, guests enjoyed a buffet at U.Green on the PolyU campus, catered by Hotel ICON. Professor Kee Chea-su, Head of School, delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, while Dr Rita Sum, Associate Consultant Optometrist, highlighted the significance of the event and the clinic’s rich history. A lively lucky draw was among the evening’s highlights, with 50 exquisite PolyU souvenirs awarded to lucky winners, who commemorated the moment with photos. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with former classmates, and the evening concluded in an atmosphere of laughter and joy.

PolyU receives HK$ 5 million funding support from alumni startup to develop innovative technologies for myopia and presbyopia management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received generous funding support of HK$5 million from Vision Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (VST), a PolyU startup specialised in pioneering myopia control technologies. This significant contribution will support cutting-edge research projects with a focus on innovative interventions for myopia (or short-sightedness) and presbyopia control, enhancing public eye health while further strengthening PolyU’s leading position in optical innovation.

Seven SO Scholars Listed as 2025 World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists by Stanford University

According to the two World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 rankings compiled by Stanford University, serven SO scholars were listed based on their career-long and single-year citation impacts. They were named based on the Stanford University’s recently released “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators” (https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8). Over 100,000 top scientists across 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields worldwide were identified. They were identified using indicators that included information on citations, individual scientific research output, co-authorship, and a composite indicator for career-long citation impact up to the end of 2024. This recognition highlights the School’s commitment to research excellence and its significant impact in optometry and ophthalmology. Congratulations to our scholars for their remarkable achievement!   World’s top 2% most-cited scientists in SO (Career-long impact in Ophthalmology & Optometry):  Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and HK Global STEM Scholar; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health Prof. Maurice YAP, Emeritus Professor Prof. Marion EDWARDS, Former Head of School World’s top 2% most-cited scientists in SO (Single year impact in 2024 in Ophthalmology & Optometry):  Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and HK Global STEM Scholar; Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health Prof. Carly LAM, Adjunct Professor Dr CHEN Yanxian Norah, Research Assistant Professor Dr SHANG Xianwen, Research Assistant Professor Prof. ZHOU Lei, Professor

Prof. Jeffrey Leung honoured with Prestigious UGC Teaching Award

Congratulations to Prof. Jeffrey Leung, Assistant Professor at the School of Optometry, who has been awarded the UGC Teaching Award in the Early Career Faculty Members category. This honour recognises his outstanding contributions to interdisciplinary collaboration and curriculum innovation. Prof. Leung expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored to receive the UGC Early Career Faculty Member Teaching Award. This is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the incredible support I have received from my university, colleagues, and family. My teaching philosophy is rooted in one simple goal: to shift my students’ perspective from ‘seeing an eye’ to ‘seeing a person,’ nurturing empathy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. This award is a tremendous encouragement to continue this mission. I am deeply grateful to the UGC for their recognition.” Since joining the university in 2020, Prof. Leung has been a visionary educator, integrating technical expertise with interpersonal skills to prepare students for the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. He engages students through real-world projects, fosters critical thinking and collaboration, and has pioneered interdisciplinary initiatives to improve paediatric eye care for children with special educational needs. His innovative use of AI-assisted clinical skill assessment has also elevated diagnostic training. The UGC Teaching Award recognises exceptional academics from UGC-funded universities for their excellence in teaching, leadership, and contributions to education. Prof. Leung’s achievements exemplify the spirit of this award, and we are proud to celebrate his success.