CODE
JS3290
ENTRY

Sept 2025 Entry

STUDY MODE
Full-time
DURATION

5 years (Optometry)

CREDIT REQUIRED

152, including 20 clinical/field credits (Optometry);

PROGRAMME INTAKE
60 (JUPAS and Non-JUPAS)
FUND TYPE
Government-Funded
  • Applicants are required to submit an essay of no more than 500 words on their reason for choosing the study for BSc (Hons) Scheme in Optometry.

  • Students will gain one of the following awards upon successful completion of the graduation requirements:
    • BSc (Hons) in Optometry
  • Students should also observe the remarks in the table below:
Optometry
  • Students receive clinical training in PolyU’s Optometry Clinic and Satellite Clinics. The majority of the clients are Hong Kong Chinese. In the fourth year of the programme, students start their clinical rotations; the clinical practice is conducted in English, Cantonese or Putonghua.

 

Application Deadline
Non-JUPAS Year 1
2025-02-06
International / Other Qualification
2025-05-15
內地应届高考生
2025年6月12日
About Programme
Specific Notes
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics
Optometry

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to prepare students to become primary eyecare practitioners with expert knowledge of the eye and the visual system. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose visual problems and offer treatment options ranging from optical lenses to visual training.

 

The journey to becoming an eyecare practitioner begins with a strong foundation in the basic life sciences, followed by a thorough grounding in the optometric sciences. In the second half of the programme, students acquire the clinical skills necessary to effectively manage a wide variety of visual problems. The five semesters of supervised clinical training in our Optometry Clinic and our satellite clinics with real patients give students many opportunities to learn to care for patients and to consolidate their clinical skills and knowledge.

 

Throughout the programme, students learn about ethical, professional and legal issues in preparation for clinical practice.

 

Programme Characteristics

Students participate in clinical training in preparation for becoming optometrists. The training is in two phases – in the Clinical Laboratory and in the Optometry Clinic – and involves real patients.

 

Our Optometry Clinic, which is unique in Hong Kong, provides an excellent environment for clinical training.

Recognition & Prospects
Optometry

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for full registration in Part I of the Register of the Optometrists Board of Hong Kong. They can also practise optometry in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan upon fulfilling local licensure requirements. Graduates are also eligible to sit the Competency in Optometry Examination (COE) and Assessment of Competence in Ocular Therapeutics (ACOT) hosted by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand.

Career Prospects

Optometrists are the main providers of vision care in the community. Most of our graduates initially enter optometric practice as employees, and many subsequently establish their own practices. Some of them work in government agencies such as the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and Department of Health.

 

Apart from optometric practice, there are various opportunities in the optical industry, particularly in the area of professional services. Some of our graduates pursue postgraduate research locally and overseas.

Curriculum
Optometry
  • The programme comprises General University Requirements (GUR) subjects and four main areas of study: basic sciences, optometric sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical and professional training.

  • Years One and Two concentrate on general education and basic sciences to establish a sound base of knowledge.

  • Years Three and Four develop students’ optometric clinical techniques for clinical practice.

  • Years Four and Five focus on clinical training (a total of five semesters). Students examine patients and gain valuable clinical experience.

  • A research project is conducted in Years Four and Five.

Information on the subjects offered can be obtained at www.polyu.edu.hk/so.

Credit Required for Graduation

152, including 20 clinical/field credits (Optometry);

Scheme/Programme Leader(s)

Prof. Andrew Lam
PhD, MPhil, PDip(Optom), FAAO

Entrance Requirements

Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS applicants.

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact

the General Office (tel.: 2766 4835; email: so.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk).

Student Message

Studying optometry at PolyU is fruitful and rewarding. The School offers a wide variety of courses and activities for students to enrich their knowledge, explore their interests and potential as well as develop their interpersonal skills. Comprehensive theoretical courses, practical sessions, and extensive clinical placement equip students with professional knowledge and skills. Apart from that, the School also organizes vision screening targeting different age groups and backgrounds to inspire students to give back to society. The well-structured curriculum nurtured students as competent, caring, and responsible primary eye care providers. Throughout our learning journey, supportive professors, supervisors, and seniors are very willing to offer guidance and share their learning experiences with us. I had an enjoyable time studying at PolyU and I am ready to apply what I have learned to provide quality optometric care to the community. I would like to thank the School for providing me with these invaluable learning experiences and preparing me for my future career.

NG Ming-wai, Hazel

The Optometry programme empowers its graduates to become competent optometrists by providing comprehensive knowledge covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the optometry field. Through attending clinical placements under supervision, students can diagnose and manage various ocular conditions in patients from diverse backgrounds while learning from different clinical supervisors. In addition to acquiring knowledge related to optometry, I was able to participate in vision screenings organized by the school regularly. This not only allowed me to serve the community with my knowledge but also provided valuable experiences essential for my professional growth. I am grateful for all the opportunities I had during my five-year study, as they have shaped me into an independent practitioner. Every memory from my time at the university will be cherished and carried with me to the next chapter of my life. I will continue to work in the best interests of my patients with my utmost effort.

SUNG Wing-yan, Vivian

The Optometry programme equips students to become competent primary health care practitioners. Apart from acquiring knowledge of ocular health in class, with the guidance of supervisors, students perform eye examinations and manage eye diseases during clinical placements. The School regularly arrange local and overseas vision screenings for different target groups, such as people with special needs, elderly people and children. By participating in these activities and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I learned that a caring attitude and patience are essential qualities for an optometrist. I am glad that my occupation allows me to contribute to the community and help those in need.

Chan Hiu-tung

The Optometry programme equipped me for the future by providing excellent opportunities to explore various career options. Besides gaining the knowledge and skillsets to become an optometrist, I developed a thorough understanding of the optometric field through clinical placements, attachments, overseas exchanges and studentship programmes.

 

We might once have regarded university as a destination, but it is in fact a new start. My experience as a student assistant under the Summer Research Studentship motivated me to enter the academic world as a research postgraduate. I am proud to be an optometrist and a junior vision researcher.

Chan Kin-ho

PolyU’s 5-year Optometry programme not only gave me in-depth knowledge of eye structures and diseases but also equipped me to become a competent eye-care service professional. Throughout my studies and clinical placements, my supervisors provided generous support and guidance.

 

Studying optometry has instilled in me a sense of commitment to serving others. Today, I am able to identify, diagnose and treat eye problems in patients. It’s satisfying to know that I can help people see clearly again.

 

After graduation, I secured a position at the PolyU Optometry Clinic as a resident optometrist, to pursue new knowledge through continuous reflective practice. In the future, I hope to learn more about specialised contact lenses such as orthokeratological lenses for myopia control in children and rigid lenses that improve vision in patients with irregular corneas. I hope to broaden my knowledge to better serve more people.

So Hiu-yan

My university life studying optometry has equipped me with the expert knowledge and clinical skills to become a primary eye-care provider. I have gained clinical experience, which has broadened my exposure to the optometry field. In addition to this local clinical training, I have participated in exchange programmes with the University of Melbourne, the Tianjin Eye Hospital and the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre. These exchange experiences have enriched my knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of various eye-related problems.

 

The Optometry programme not only shapes us to become competent professionals but also helps us to focus on social responsibility. Participating in local and overseas vision screenings allowed me to connect with the community and the world by applying what I had learnt in the classroom to help people in need. Volunteering to conduct vision screenings in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Cambodia and Vietnam was extremely rewarding. We performed various screening tests and prescribed glasses for patients. Every smile and “thank you” warmed our hearts.

Chan Yu-yan

During my study in the School of Optometry I gained experience in the investigation, diagnosis and management of vision and eye diseases during clinical training in local and overseas clinics. I also gained a competitive edge by taking part in exchanges at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre in mainland China and at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, an experience that broadened my global outlook.

 

In addition to cultivating knowledge and skills, the School nurtures students to become socially responsible through active engagement in community projects in Hong Kong, rural areas of the Chinese mainland and developing countries. My participation in various vision screenings helped me realise how important the role of an optometrist is – educating the public on the importance of vision and eye care is indispensable.

 

Optometrists are frontline vision-care providers. If you are passionate about serving others and willing to face challenges, the School will support you in becoming a guardian of vision!

Lui Wing-shan
LocalJUPAS
No information is available at present.
LocalNon-JUPAS Year 1
Additional Documents Required
Transcript / Certificate

Required

Personal Statement

Applicants are required to submit an essay of no more than 500 words on their reason for choosing the study for BSc (Hons) Scheme in Optometry. Download

Interview Arrangement
Aims

To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme.

Date of Interview
Between December and July
Duration

15 minutes

Medium
English
Mode
Individual interview
Remarks

Suitable applicants may be invited to interviews.

Non-LocalInternational / Other Qualification
Additional Documents Required
Transcript / Certificate

Required

Personal Statement

Applicants are required to submit an essay of no more than 500 words on their reason for choosing the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Optometry. Download

Others

Recommendation letters are required

Non-Local內地应届高考生
所需的附加文件
成绩表

需要

自荐信

学生需提交一份不超过一页 (500字) 的英文自荐信,详细阐述选择本课程的原因。

其他表格

请点击链接下载自荐表格