From October 14th to 15th, 2025, Prof. Calvin CP Pang, an internationally renowned scientist from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, paid a two-day in-depth visit to Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University for academic exchange. Both sides engaged in thorough discussions centered on key topics including the cultivation of high-level ophthalmic talent, cutting-edge scientific research, and clinical translation. The visit, which yielded fruitful outcomes, marks a new phase in the strategic collaboration between the two institutions.

As a leading expert in ophthalmology, Prof. CP Pang has maintained long-term, deep collaboration with Eye Hospital, WMU. Together, they have produced a series of high-impact research outcomes in areas such as genetic eye diseases, myopia prevention and control, and glaucoma research. Related studies have been frequently published in top-tier international journals like Genet Med and Ophthalmology, providing crucial support for breakthroughs in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and scientific research in ophthalmology and vision science.

Igniting Minds, Nurturing Talent

The visit commenced with an inspiring academic feast presented by Prof. CP Pang for the hospital's faculty and students. In his lecture titled "Professional and Research Training in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences," Prof. CP Pang began with the fundamentals of the discipline, eloquently elaborating on the similarities, differences, and evolutionary trajectories of "Ophthalmology" and "Visual Sciences." Drawing on the well-established research training system at CUHK, he shared insights and practical approaches on systematically cultivating ophthalmic scientists. This provided young scholars and postgraduate students present with invaluable international perspectives and methodological guidance for their career planning and research training. The interactive session was dynamic, with active questioning and in-depth exchanges with Prof. CP Pang.

On the same day, selection interviews for the PhD program in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at CUHK were conducted in an orderly manner. The interviews focused on dual core criteria: "research potential" and "innovative spirit," aiming to identify high-caliber candidates with global vision. During the process, professors delved into applicants' research experiences, insights into cutting-edge research, and problem-solving approaches. Applicants were encouraged to freely express their research ideas, with particular attention paid to those demonstrating innovative thinking and unique perspectives. This initiative not only concretizes the academic collaboration between the two institutions but also establishes a new talent development pathway of "local selection, international cultivation" for Wenzhou's ophthalmology sector, building core capacity for the high-quality development of regional ophthalmic care.

Frontier Insights, Warm Engagements

On October 15th, Prof. CP Pang visited Eye Valley@ China. He highly praised the model of integrating resources from government, industry, academia, research, capital, and application to vigorously promote innovation in the eye health industry. Preliminary discussions were held regarding potential future collaborations in research translation. 

Subsequently, the eagerly anticipated postgraduate salon, aptly named "Ophthalmic Insights and Inspirations," commenced. During the salon, Prof. CP Pang delivered a lecture titled "Bench Investigations for Therapeutic Treatment of Major Eye Diseases." He not only systematically outlined the latest breakthroughs in basic research for treating major blinding eye diseases, but also speaking from his experience as a seasoned scientist, earnestly shared the essential qualities, mindset, and perseverance required to become a competent "Researcher." He encouraged young students to be courageous in asking questions, endure the solitude of research, and march steadfastly on the path of exploring scientific truth.

The salon also featured vibrant poster sessions and an academic debate. The graduate students conducted all discussions and debates entirely in English, with Prof. CP Pang providing expert commentary, fully showcasing their dynamic scientific thinking and international competency.

Collaborative Progress, Charting the Future

Prof. CP Pang's visit represents a significant implementation of the internationalization strategy of Eye Hospital, WMU. Both parties will use this visit as a new starting point to continuously deepen comprehensive cooperation in areas such as joint talent cultivation, collaborative research projects, and faculty exchanges. They are committed to working hand-in-hand to build a world-class hub for ophthalmic research and talent development, jointly contributing wisdom and strength to advancing China's eye health cause and serving global visual health.