Program Overview

Master of Science in Vision Science and Innovation

The Master of Science in Vision Science and Innovation is a pioneering programme that offers professionals in healthcare, computer science, and related fields a unique opportunity to pursue advanced studies in interdisciplinary and innovative vision sciences. This programme responds to the growing need for cutting-edge technologies in the field of vision and eye care and advances in ophthalmic instrumentation.

Programme Details

• Faculty: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
• School: School of Optometry
• Code: 52049
• Subcode: 52049-FTM-PTM
• Entry: September 2026
• Study Mode: Mixed Mode
• Duration: 1 year (Full-time), 2 years (Part-time)
• Credit Required: 31
• Fund Type: Self-Financed

Aims and Characteristics

This programme aims to:

• Foster creative solutions and integrate innovative technologies to enhance the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vision problems for clinicians.
• Establish a dynamic environment for basic and translational research to address major societal challenges in vision science, eye care, and well-being.
• Facilitate more interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurship to shape the future of visual sciences and eye health.
• Integrate different perspectives and research methodologies to produce robust and cutting-edge research evidence, addressing complex challenges in vision health.

Recognition and Prospects

With rapid technological advancements, there is a growing demand for professionals with a vision science background in business and R&D. This Master's programme fosters collaboration with renowned institutions and industry partners to drive innovation and raise educational standards. Designed to equip graduates with sought-after skills, this programme enhances career prospects in the optometry, ophthalmology, and technology industries.

Curriculum

The programme is composed of:

• A 24-credit coursework component
• A 6-credit research project component
• A 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) component
• The coursework consists of 5 compulsory subjects (15 credits) and 3 elective subjects (9 credits)

Compulsory Subjects

• SO5001 Digital Health: Transforming Healthcare through Technology (3 credits)
• SO5002 Adaptive Technology in Vision Science (3 credits)
• SO5003 Entrepreneurship in Ophthalmic Industry (3 credits)
• SO5004 Principle and Practice of Ophthalmic Health Care (3 credits)
• SO5005 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Elective Subjects

• SO5006 Advanced Vision Science (3 credits)
• SO5007 Cutting-edge Investigations in Vision and Biomedical Research (3 credits)
• SO6006 Visual Neuroscience (3 credits)
• SO5009 Contemporary Myopia Control and Management (3 credits)
• BME5150 Medical Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (3 credits)
• COMP5511 Artificial Intelligence Concept (3 credits)
• COMP5517 Human Computer Interface (3 credits)
• HTI5052 Bioinformatics in Health Sciences (3 credits)

Research Project

• SO5100 Research Project (6 credits)

AIE Subject

• HTI5T04 Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences) (1 credit)

Credit Required for Graduation

31 credits, including:

1. Accumulating 31 credits (24 credits of coursework, 6 credits for the research project, and 1 credit for the AIE subject)
2. Satisfying the National Education (NE) requirement
3. Having a Grade Point Average of 1.7 or above at the end of the programme

Programme Leader

Prof. Allen Cheong, PhD, JD, BSc (Hons) Optom, FAAO

Entrance Requirements

• A recognised Bachelors degree in one of the following study areas, or equivalent:
  • Optometry
  • Healthcare-related professions
  • Computer science
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Product design
• One year of full-time experience in the above disciplines is favorable
• Fulfil the English and General Requirements stipulated by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Tuition Fee

HK$252,000 (i.e., HK$8,400 per credit x 30 credits) for local and non-local students. Note: There is no tuition fee for the 1-credit subject "Academic Integrity and Ethics" (AIE).

Additional Documents Required

• Transcript / Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Employer's Recommendation
• A proposed study plan
• A copy of a valid official score report for an IELTS or TOEFL result (if applicable)