• on 10/06/2025

In Memoriam: Professor Mark OM TSO (1936 – 2025)

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) mourns the passing of Prof Mark OM TSO, who passed away peacefully in Baltimore, USA, on 24 May 2025, at the age of 88.

Prof Tso was the Founding Chairman of DOVS from 1994 to 1998. As a pioneering leader in Ophthalmology with vision and unwavering dedication, he led the Department through its formative years, laying the groundwork for its clinical, research, and educational developments. Under his able leadership, a strong foundation was established, which continues to guide the Department′s mission today. Prof Tso was also a dedicated mentor, maintaining close ties with our colleagues, and generously guiding our next generation of eye care professionals.

Throughout his remarkable life, Prof Tso remained deeply committed to advancing eye health in Hong Kong and around the world. Subsequent to his time at CUHK, Prof Tso established the Peking University Eye Center in Beijing, China, and served as the Founder and First Director until 20. He also played an instrumental role in international ophthalmic organisations, including the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) and the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), working tirelessly to advance global eye care. His efforts to bridge local and international ophthalmic communities have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of ophthalmologists and visual scientists.

We extend our deepest condolences to Prof Tso′s family and friends. He will be remembered with profound respect, admiration, and gratitude.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements:
The Celebration of Life Service will be held on 28 Jun 2025 at 10:30 A.M. (Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.) / 10:30 P.M. (Hong Kong Time) via Zoom.
Join the service via Zoom

If you wish to attend the reception following the service, please email: veledatai@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leadership Transformations, Inc. in Mark′s memory:
Make a donation

For more information and to leave a tribute, please visit the official obituary page.

 

Portrait photo of Prof Mark OM TSO.
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (DOVS) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was established, and Prof Mark OM TSO (right) was appointed as the Founding Chairman of the Department.
Prof Mark OM TSO standing on the roof of Hong Kong Eye Hospital in Mar 1994, where construction of the new headquarter of CUHK DOVS was about to commence.
Prof Mark OM TSO (middle) with Sir Charles K KAO (left), Vice Chancellor of the CUHK, and Prof Arthur KC LI (right), Dean, CUHK Faculty of Medicine, at Prof TSO’s Inaugural Lecture.
Prof Mark OM TSO (front row middle) and Prof Calvin CP PANG (front row, second left) with the CUHK DOVS research team in 1998.
Prof Mark OM TSO (front row, fourth right) with staff in Nov 1994.
Prof Mark OM TSO (front row, fourth right) with staff in Dec 1995.
Prof Mark OM TSO (front row, fifth right) with staff in Dec 1997.
Prof Mark OM TSO (second left) with Christopher Patten, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong (1992–1997) (second right).
Prof Mark OM TSO (third left) with nursing staff.

Prof Mark OM TSO at the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Congress 2014 (APGC 2014) cum the 10th International Symposium of Ophthalmology (ISO) in Hong Kong.
Prof Mark OM TSO delivered a Grand Round Lecture at Hong Kong Eye Hospital in 2021.