The CUHK ″EYE Learn I.CARE & EYE Screen I.CARE″ Programme′s Graduation cum Opening Ceremony 2024 was successfully held on 8 September 2024 at the Yasumoto International Academic Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The event brought together ophthalmologists, medical professionals, schools and community partners to celebrate its achievements and launch its next phase.
Initiated by the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) in May 2022, the CUHK ″EYE Screen, I.CARE″ Programme focuses on promoting early screening, referral, examination, and treatment to reduce the risks of eye diseases. The sister programme ″EYE Learn, I.CARE″ provides a cross-disciplinary platform for medical, nursing, university and high-school students to gain hands-on experience in Ophthalmology while offering free eye care services to the community. Over the past two years, more than 300 medical, nursing and university students, as well as 800 secondary student volunteers have been participated as eye care ambassadors over 120 weekend sessions, accumulating over 1,000 hours of service time.
Prof Clement CY THAM, Department Chairman, congratulated the programme′s milestones in his opening remarks, ″Since its inception in 2022, the EYE SCREEN I.CARE Programme has served over 3,000 patients and their families, promoting early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as long COVID, Dry Eye Disease, Thyroid Eye Disease and IgG4-related Ophthalmic Disease ensuring timely and optimal treatments and referral.″ Prof Tham noted.
Prof Winnie CW CHU, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Guest of Honour, the programme′s educational impact, ″Through participation in clinical trials and eye screening programs, preclinical medical and nursing students deepen their understanding of various eye conditions while applying clinical knowledge in practical settings.″ she said.
Prof Calvin CP PANG, S. H. Ho Research Professor of Visual Sciences, underscored the exceptional involvement of secondary school students alongside undergraduate students. ″Their dedication in sacrificing their weekends throughout the years demonstrates remarkable persistence. This kind of commitment at such a young age is truly commendable.″ he remarked.
Dr Kelvin KL CHONG, Associate Professor of the Department and Director of EYE SCREEN I.CARE Programme, highlighted the programme′s impressive growth and substantial impact. ″This initiative goes beyond traditional research programme as it integrates research, service, training, and development, offering free weekend eye examinations to underserved communities in Hong Kong,″ Dr Chong stated.
During the Ceremony, awards and appreciation certificates were presented to ophthalmologists, eye care ambassadors, student ambassadors, volunteers, and participating organizations in recognition of their contributions to the programme. The event also reinforced our commitment to excellence in ophthalmology education, research, and community service, continuing to nurture the next generation of eye care professionals and enhance public eye health awareness in Hong Kong.
Secondary School Representatives Receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from Prof Calvin CP PANG:
