Lighting up the world for children with compassion

Dr Jason Yam Cheuk-sing grew up in a grassroots family. His parents are his role models, and cultivated his diligence and perseverance. Enlightened by the Christian faith and an ophthalmologist during his studies, he vowed to become an ophthalmologist himself to help patients regain vision.

Jason believes it is a basic right of everyone to see the world, regardless of their social status, family background or race. However, many parents of grassroots families are not aware of eye care and lack the resources to arrange eye examinations for their children. As a result, those children's eye problems cannot be detected in time, thus missing the golden period of treatment. “Children's eyes are developing before the age of eight. If eye problems are detected early, the potential of recovery will be much higher, and their lives will be totally different."

As a doctor, Jason understands that he cannot cure every patient. But he believes he can go beyond and above for his patients. “I once diagnosed and treated a six-year-old child with inherited retinal disease. He only had 10% of vision left. Since there were no effective treatments for the disease, I know he would become blind for life, but I still wanted to try my best to help him. ”

In 2015, Jason launched "CUHK Hong Kong Children Eye Care Programme" (current third phase named as "CUHK Jockey Club Myopia Prevention Programme") to provide free comprehensive eye examination services for underprivileged children from 6 to 8 years old. Jason and his team have organized more than 300 health education seminars to promote eye care across the community. They work together to help disadvantaged children detect eye problems and provide them with timely treatment. The programme has benefited more than 30,000 disadvantaged families since its launch seven years ago.

Humanity is to help people in need with compassion and dedication.