The Optometry programme at PolyU equips its students for the future by providing excellent opportunities to explore various career options. Besides gaining the knowledge and skills required to be optometrists, students develop a thorough understanding of the optometric field through clinical placements, attachments, overseas exchanges and studentship programmes. Graduates leave with the confidence to follow the most suitable paths. 

Going to university heralds another new start. Under PolyU’s Summer Research Studentship, I was motivated to enter academia 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, under the guidance of supervisors, students also perform eye examinations and manage eye diseases during clinical placements. The department regularly arrange local and overseas vision screenings for different target groups, for example, people with special needs, the elderly and children. By participating in these activities and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I have learnt that care 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 continually.

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 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

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