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Name: Ariel Lui Chi-yan

Age: 22

Course: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Optometry

School: Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Year of study: Four

Duration of programme: Four years

YP: Is it hard to get into the department?

Lui: PolyU is the only tertiary institute that offers an optometry course, so it's not easy to get a place. The school accepts only

35 students every year, plus a few non-Jupas [Joint University Programmes Admissions System] students.

Over the past few years, the university has been interviewing applicants to test their communication skills. This is crucial to becoming a good optometrist.

YP: Are there many subjects for students to choose from?

L: No, all subjects are compulsory.  In Year One, we have to take eight subjects and six in Year Two.

In the first two years, if you fail a subject, you can still go on to the next level and retake that subject. But in Year Three, if you fail a subject, you have to repeat. There's more practical, clinical work in Year Three and students must pass all subjects.

YP: How are classes and exams conducted?

L: In the first three years, classes are mostly theoretical, with more practical lessons in Year Three. There are practical and theory exams  in the first three years.

There are no classes in Year Four, the final year. The school assigns students to placements in local hospitals, clinics,  or ophthalmologists.

YP: What are the most important skills for an optometrist?

L: You should have management skills so that you can take care of your business. Of course, you have to be good at your job as well.  Good communication skills are important, too, because a part of an optometrist's job is to explain to patients their problems.

This is similar  to a surgeon's job. You  have to get your patients to tell you their problems. Then you tell them your diagnosis  and the treatment you have prescribed.

Admission

Applicants must pass all science subjects in their HKCEE and have at least one C in science subjects in the A-Levels.

Career prospects

Graduates can work as optometrists in hospitals, optical health clinics or  stores selling glasses and contact lenses. They can also join optometry clinics or the PolyVision Eyecare Centre (a subsidiary of PolyU), or conduct research at PolyU.

There are other options -  students can continue with postgraduate studies, or work  at a clinic  depending on their chosen stream, which includes paediatric and elderly.



Optometry