Sept 2021 Entry
Programme code: JS3650
5 years
160 (including 20 clinical/field credits)
Dr Andrew Lam
PhD, MPhil, PDip(Optom), FAAO
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
Students become primary eyecare practitioners with expert knowledge of the eye and the visual system. They gain the knowledge and skills that are necessary to diagnose visual problems and offer treatment options, which may be in the form of optical lenses or visual training.
The journey to becoming an eyecare practitioner begins with a strong foundation in basic life sciences, followed by a thorough grounding in the optometric sciences. In the second half of the programme, students acquire clinical skills that enable them to effectively manage a wide variety of visual problems. The five semesters of supervised clinical training in our Optometry Clinic and our satellite clinics on real patients give students many opportunities to learn to care for patients and 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 to be optometrists. The training is in two phases, in the Clinical Laboratory and in the Optometry Clinic, examining real patients.
Our Optometry Clinic, which is unique in Hong Kong, provides an excellent environment for clinical training.
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. Besides, graduates are eligible to sit for 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. Many subsequently establish their own practices. Some of them work in government agencies such as the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health.
Apart from optometric practice, there are also opportunities in the optical industry, particularly in the area of professional services. A small number of our graduates pursue postgraduate research studies locally and overseas.
Information on the subjects offered can be obtained at www.polyu.edu.hk/so.
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
There is no compulsory subject requirement. Preferred subject(s) with the highest weighting for admission score calculation include(s):
Relevant Applied Learning subject(s) that can be considered for meeting the University entrance requirement and admission score calculation is/are:
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 2766 4835; email: so.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk).
My university life studying optometry has equipped me with the expert knowledge and clinical skills to become a primary eye-care provider. I gained clinical experience, which broadened my exposure to the optometry field. In addition to this local clinical training, I also had opportunities to participate in exchange programmes with the University of Melbourne, the Tianjin Eye Hospital and the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre. These exchange experiences enriched my knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of different eye-related problems.
The Optometry programme not only shaped us to become professional and competent, but also focused on our social responsibility. Participating in local and overseas vision screenings allowed me to connect to 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 remarkably rewarding. We performed different screening tests and prescribed glasses for patients. Every smile and "thank you" was heartwarming.
With a passion and drive to serve the community, I enjoy every moment of my work as an optometrist. Chan Yu Yan |  |
 | Studying at the School of Optometry equipped me with professional knowledge for my career development. For example, I gained experience in the investigation, diagnosis and management of vision and eye diseases during clinical training in local and overseas clinics. In addition, taking part in exchanges at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre in the Chinese mainland and at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia broadened my global outlook and strengthened my competitiveness.
Apart from cultivating knowledge and skills, the School nurtures students to become socially responsible through actively engaging in community projects in Hong Kong, rural areas of the Chinese mainland and other developing countries. By participating in different vision screenings, I realised how important the role of an optometrist is – educating the public about the importance of vision and eye care is indispensable.
Optometrists are frontline vision-care providers. If you are passionate, devoted to serving others and willing to face challenges, you are welcome as a gatekeeper of vision! Lui Wing Shan |
PolyU's 5-year Optometry programme not only gave us in-depth knowledge about eye structures and diseases, but also equipped us as competent eye care service professionals. Throughout our studies and clinical placements, supervisors provided generous support in training us to be independent practitioners.
Studying optometry also gave me a sense of achievement and commitment to serving others. Today, I am able to identify, diagnose and treat eye problems in patients and possibly help them see better with the appropriate corrective measures. I always feel content when my patients are grateful for the ability to see clearly again using spectacles or contact lenses.
After graduation, I chose to stay at the PolyU Optometry Clinic as a resident optometrist to pursue new knowledge through continual education. I will learn more about "specialty 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 and better serve more people in the future. So Hiu Yan |  |
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