♦ Our Profile ♦

Founded on unity, the Association is making progress with mutual encouragement and support

As science develops ever so rapidly, the knowledge and technology of optometry, also advance at a tremendous pace. Hard contact lenses were introduced in Hong Kong as early as 1962, but they were not popular then. In 1964, Dr. P. Thomas and his assistant Dr. Bidway of Sydney University were invited to Hong Kong to hold three-month training course on contact lenses and the latest optometric technique. The results or this course were very encouraging.

At that time, members of the trade felt that optometry was developing with each passing day, there was a need for an organization to be formed for the optometric procession. Nine people Pong Kwong Tim, Pong Wing Tim. Lau Man Chung, Lam Tai Wai, Yip Hing Fai, Yeung Yu Kwong, Chow Chi Fu, Poon Chek Man and Wong Kam Chi together drew, up the plans for such a body. The Hong Kong Optometric Association was therefore formed and registered in 1965. Is the first professional body for optometry in Hong Kong, the Association worked to promote the optical health and well being of the general public.

Members work with concerted
effort to further the aims of the Association

In its early stages, the Hong Kong Optometric Association had just over 10 members. But with the support of noted public figures and members of the trade, the Association was able to develop and operate smoothly. In 1975 the Association was able to buy a flat of about 1,000 square feet at No.1, Glenealy Road in Central to serve as the Association's permanent home and meeting place. Many courses have been held there and this home has been of critical importance in the Association's development.

In the beginning, no formal training in optometry was available in Hong Kong. Those who wished to practice in this field had to study abroad to gain their professional qualifications. Supported by friends from various sectors, manufacturers in the trade and professional scholars, the Hong Kong Optometric Association succeeded in introducing training and refreshed courses for its members in 1965. Members of the trade have benefited greatly from these courses.

The Association strives to improve the trade
through legislation and continues to urge progress

1977, the Government decided to introduce legislation to regulate the optometric profession in Hong Kong. Several members of the Hong Kong Optometric Association were involved in the work of preparing the legislation, over a period of more than 10 years. In 1994, the “optometrists (Registration, and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation” was passed by the Legislative Council to regulate the qualifications of practicing optometrists. The Regulation will come into force in April 1996 and ensure that all practicing optometrists are properly qualified.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Hong Kong Optometric Association has been continuously working to unite the members of the trade, develop the optometric profession and serve the society. The Association owes a great debt of thanks to its friends from various sectors for their cooperation and support which has helped the smooth development of the Association. Current members are committed to carrying forward the work of their predecessors and striving for further progress. To do this, they will continue the Association's unceasing efforts to participate actively in community affairs and provide members of the profession with the latest knowledge in Optometry. In this way the Hong Kong public will be assured of even better services from members of our Association.

The founding members of the H.K. Optometric Association took this picture in 1964

Only 'on-the-job' training throungh a traditional apprenticeship system was available 40 years ago.

The Association always seeks to provide members with further training opportunities including seminars held at the Association.

The Association was one of the founding member of IFAPO. The two organization maintain an excellent academic

In 1993, the Ninth Asian-Pacific Optometric Congress was co-organized by the Association, Yip Hing Fai, Jeffrey, President, receiving an award of thanks from Mr. Gamini Edirisinghe, President of IFAPAO.