We might once regard University as the destination, but rather, it is another new start. The Optometry Programme equipped us for the future by providing excellent opportunities to explore various career options. Besides gaining the knowledge and skillsets to be optometrists, we also developed a thorough understanding of the optometric field through clinical placements, attachments, overseas exchanges, and studentship programmes. With all of these, we were confident to take our best-suited paths after graduation. 

The delightful experience as a student assistant under the Summer Research Studentship has 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 has equipped students to become competent primary healthcare practitioners. Apart from acquiring knowledge about ocular health in class, with the guidance of supervisors, students also performed eye examinations and managed eye diseases during clinical placements. The School regularly arranged local and overseas vision screenings for different target groups, for example, people with special needs, elderlies and children. By participating in these activities and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I have learned that caring and patience are essential qualities to possess as an optometrist. 

My journey at PolyU has been fulfilling; 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 have gained clinical experience, which 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 professional and competent but also helps us to focus 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 various screening tests and prescribed glasses for patients. Every smile and “thank you” was heart-warming.

I have a passion and drive to serve the community. I will enjoy every moment of my work as a professional optometrist.

Chan Yu-yan

Studying in 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.

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 other 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, you are welcome to become a guardian of vision!

Lui Wing-shan

PolyU’s 5-year Optometry programme not only gave us in-depth knowledge of eye structures and diseases but also equipped us to become competent eye care service professionals. Throughout our studies and clinical placements, our supervisors provided generous support in training us to become 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 often to 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 work in the PolyU Optometry Clinic as a resident optometrist to pursue new knowledge through continuous education. In the future, 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 to better serve more people in the future.

So Hiu-yan