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 the destination, but rather, it is another 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

The Optometry programme equips students to become competent primary healthcare practitioners. Apart from acquiring knowledge about ocular health in class, with the guidance of supervisors, students also perform eye examinations and manage eye diseases during clinical placements. The School regularly arrange local and overseas vision screenings for different target groups, for example, people with special needs, elderly people and children. By participating in these activities and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I learnt 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

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 different eye-related problems.

The Optometry programme not only shapes us to become professional and competent, 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 at 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 mainland China and developing countries. My participation in various vision screenings helped me realise 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 about serving others and willing to face challenges, the School will support you to become a guardian of vision.

Lui Wing-shan

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 were generous in their support and guidance.

Studying optometry has instilled in me a sense of achievement and 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 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.

So Hiu-yan