The School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 June. The two parties will leverage their respective strengths, combining academic research expertise with sports resources to foster the long-term development of Hong Kong’s Para sports ecosystem, while providing comprehensive and professional support for Para athletes, coaches and practitioners.
Witnessed by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Mrs Jenny FUNG, President of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, the MoU was signed by Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of the PolyU School of Optometry and Dr Jim LUK, Vice President of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee.
The PolyU School of Optometry will engage in deep cooperation with HKPC across four key areas:
- Facilitating vision impairment classification: Vision classification is essential for ensuring fair competition in Para sports. The PolyU School of Optometry will utilise its professional optometric expertise to assist visually impaired athletes in completing precise vision impairment classifications according to their specific sports.
- Providing professional training and support: PolyU will deploy an expert team to provide academic expertise and professional support for seminars, workshops and coaching courses organised by HKPC, while HKPC will facilitate connections with athletes, coaches and Para sports resources, thereby building a practical exchange platform.
- Promoting joint research and educational initiatives: Both parties will explore joint research projects, educational initiatives and development programmes, aiming to enhance training effectiveness and the eye health of Para athletes.
- Fostering international collaboration and exchanges: Both parties will jointly explore international collaboration opportunities to promote academic and technical exchanges between local and overseas Para sports organisations.
Prof. Kee Chea-su said, “This meaningful collaboration will help translate the PolyU School of Optometry’s world-class clinical expertise and research outcomes into a broader societal impact. Not only will it showcase the School’s excellence in optometric specialities on the international sports stage, but it will also strengthen our clinical research and training in the specialised field of vision impairment. By providing precise, standard-setting classifications and scientific support, we look forward to contributing to the professionalisation of Para sports while further demonstrating our School’s leadership in global optometric care.”
Dr Jim Luk stated, “Fair competition in Para sports relies heavily on scientific classification, with vision classification carrying the highest technical threshold. This partnership holds profound significance for the long-term development of Para sports in Hong Kong. We look forward to working closely with PolyU to achieve fruitful outcomes in classification, professional training, joint research and international exchanges, driving the professionalisation of local sports.”
Looking ahead, both parties hope to harness this collaboration to unlock new opportunities for Hong Kong’s Para sports community and jointly promote the popularisation and professionalisation of sports locally.
