The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received generous funding support of HK$5 million from Vision Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (VST), a PolyU startup specialised in pioneering myopia control technologies. This significant contribution will support cutting-edge research projects with a focus on innovative interventions for myopia (or short-sightedness) and presbyopia control, enhancing public eye health while further strengthening PolyU's leading position in optical innovation.
VST was co-founded by Prof. Chi-ho TO, Visiting Chair Professor of Experimental Optometry of the PolyU School of Optometry (SO), and Mr Jackson LEUNG, both of whom are SO alumni. The company has successfully developed and commercialised spectacle lenses and contact lenses designed to control the progression of myopia. Supported by the PolyU Micro Fund and the PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund, it obtained a licence from PolyU in 2018 to commercialise the University's patented Defocus Incorporated Soft Contact (DISC) technology. VST now manufactures and distributes DISC lenses at authorised optometric clinics and fitting centres in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland.
VST will fund the research project "Optimisation of Vision with Novel Optical Designs and Engineering" led by Prof. Rachel CHUN, Assistant Professor of SO, and Prof. KEE Chea-su, Head and Professor of SO. The three-year project aims to advance next-generation optical designs for myopia control by optimising visual performance with innovative lens technology. Integrating advanced optical engineering, visual psychophysics and clinical validation, the initiative seeks to introduce personalised solutions that prevent myopia onset and development, and slow axial elongation in children. Additionally, the project aims to develop innovative optical designs for presbyopia.
By addressing critical gaps in precision optical design and patient-centred customisation, the research team envisions that this project will generate novel research outcomes and valuable intellectual property, thereby accelerating industry translation and delivering accessible, high-impact solutions for primary eye care.
Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), highly commended VST's contribution. He remarked, "It exemplifies the synergistic development between PolyU and its alumni startups, setting a strong example for other PolyU alumni and inspiring them to support the University's research. When more forces join in, we can speed up translational research and knowledge transfer, foster more outstanding startups in the process and expand the societal impact of PolyU research."
Mr Jackson Leung, Co-founder of VST said, "As alumni of PolyU, we wish to express our gratitude for our alma mater's unwavering support that has fuelled the pursuit of our entrepreneurial dreams and made possible our success and achievements. We are proud to support our alma mater in conducting further vision research to advance the development of eye care. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children and adults in Hong Kong and beyond."
PolyU is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs eager to tackle societal challenges with innovative solutions. Through the PolyVentures ecosystem, the University supports its startups at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys – from education and ideation to incubation, acceleration, and fundraising. To date, it has nurtured over 600 startups, among which three are unicorns and two listed on stock markets.
