Opening the “Windows” of Health

Seeing is believing.  The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK DOVS) has done more than just examining the standard functions of the human eye.  By continuously advocating eye health, pursuing research, upskilling specialists, and forging collaborations, CUHK DOVS has gained richer insights into the far-reaching workings of these visual organs, standing witness to the medical opportunities that lie within these “windows” of health.

As the pioneering academic ophthalmology department in Hong Kong, CUHK DOVS has been at the forefront of shaping the future of eye healthcare in the city.  Founded in 1994, the Department advances clinical care and research through the CUHK Eye Centre and CUHK Ophthalmic Research Laboratories.

With Ophthalmology often linked primarily to eye diseases, the broader scope of the Department’s efforts can be easily overshadowed.  Professor Clement CY THAM, Chairman at CUHK DOVS, sheds light on the Department’s multifaceted—and rewarding—endeavours, including the bright possibilities that quality ophthalmic services, research, and education bring.

Making people “see”

For many people, eye care simply means getting a pair of glasses to address their visual difficulties, not realising the gravity of eye diseases and their lasting impact on our long-term health.

“Many eye diseases, due to seemingly minor symptoms, can often be overlooked,” said Prof Tham.

“Dry eye syndrome, for instance, may seem like a common eye condition. But if not handled properly, the syndrome can result in corneal damage, risking vision decline and even blindness,” he said.  “What people need to know is that early diagnosis and proper intervention can vastly improve this condition.”

Highlighting this important yet often neglected value of eye health drives the work of the Department’s dedicated faculty of eye clinicians.

Caring for and beyond the eyes

CUHK DOVS doesn’t stop at ophthalmic services; it also operates CUHK Ophthalmic Research Laboratories for visual science research.  The CUHK Ophthalmic Research Laboratories are internationally accredited in both clinical medicine and scientific research.

Thanks to the Department’s continuous research efforts, Prof Tham and his colleagues are making great strides in promoting and tackling eye health—and its various aspects.

“Our study revealed that low-concentration atropine eye drops do not only control myopic progression in children but also significantly deter its onset,” shared Prof Tham.  “This greatly reduces their chances of suffering from blinding eye diseases in the future due to severe myopia.”

With Hong Kong having one of the highest rates of myopia worldwide, myopia is a prevalent concern, but it is just one of their research focus areas.

“Eye doctors deal with much more than the eyes,” he said.  “Many systemic diseases can be diagnosed through the eyes, including cancer metastasis or endocrinological illnesses.”

Over the years, CUHK DOVS has pioneered several AI-based ophthalmic innovations, leveraging them to screen patients for glaucoma, assess diabetic macular degeneration risk, and detect Alzheimer’s disease through retinal images.

“Developing these AI tools has enabled us to identify high-risk patients earlier, thereby allowing us to devise medical solutions accordingly and help more people,” shared Prof Tham.

Through the Lim Por-yen Eye Genetics Research Centre, CUHK DOVS has also identified a number of new genes and gene variants for major eye diseases, enabling personalised patient diagnostics and treatments.

Setting sights on more impact

Keen to advance its vision beyond the laboratories, CUHK DOVS has also been dedicated to training highly skilled, world-class ophthalmologists. In 2018, they inaugurated the CUHK Ophthalmic Microsurgical Training Centre, equipping young doctors with adequate surgical experience through job-shadowed procedures and comprehensive surgical simulations.

Additionally, CUHK DOVS continues to work with medical partners and institutions to extend its reach to the wider community.

In 2002, CUHK DOVS set up the Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (JSIEC).  This tertiary grade A hospital ranks among the nation’s Top 5 in ophthalmology.

“With 130 eye doctors annually diagnosing over 400,000 patients and performing around 30,000 surgeries, this hospital benefits not only Chaoshan’s 23-million population, but also the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the nation,” shared Prof Tham.

Reflecting on the Department’s achievements over the years, Prof Tham remains eager to have more students looking into these “windows” of the soul, and contributing to a healthier Hong Kong.

“Many ophthalmological diagnoses and surgeries are very challenging, but that is what makes them meaningful,” he said.  “We hope that the Hong Kong community will continue to keep abreast of the CUHK DOVS’ developments and support our work.”

By the courtesy of Med Tolo Alumni e-Newsletter (2023 Issue 2)

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