An eye for discovery: Why Dominic Lam Man-kit considers himself extremely fortunate

Doctor, artist, scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist – Dr Dominic Lam Man-kit is living proof that time and circumstance don’t have to be barriers to realising your dreams.

“I describe myself as somebody who has been extremely fortunate,” says the Hong Kong-based founder and chairman of the World Eye Organization. “Because I’ve been so fortunate, I have had the courage and curiosity to pursue what I like to pursue. And I think if one is lucky enough, one can do anything.”

Born into a poor family in Shantou, Lam was a precocious child. “I was always impatient. I went to grade one when I was four years old because my mom didn’t know there was kindergarten,” he says.

After graduating from high school at 15, Lam earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics in two-and-a-half years, a master’s in theoretical physics in eight months and a doctorate in medical biophysics in 18 months. By 24, he was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School.

Lam dedicated his career to research and teaching, serving as professor of biotechnology, cell biology and ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas from 1977 to 1993.