Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Optometry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes

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, 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 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 to become 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.

Curriculum

• 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 1 and 2 concentrate on general education and basic sciences to establish a sound base of knowledge.
• Years 3 and 4 develop students’ optometric clinical techniques for clinical practice.
• Years 4 and 5 focus on clinical training (a total of five semesters). Students examine patients and gain valuable clinical experience.
• A research project is conducted in Years 4 and 5.

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 studies locally and overseas.