Students and academic staff from the Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences recently took part in the 5th Global Orthokeratology and Myopia Control Conference (GOMCC) and the 3rd Optometry Vietnam Conference (OVC), held from 22 to 24 August 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam. These international platforms brought together more than 780 eye care professionals from around the world, making it a rare opportunity for students to gain insights, share their work, and engage with global leaders in the field of optometry and myopia control.
SEGi University was represented by final-year students Dawn Lah Le Xuan and Low Wency, who presented their final-year research as a poster presentation. In addition, Dawn Lah Le Xuan, Ling Chia Hao, and Tan Pei Thong showcased their knowledge and expertise through an oral clinical case presentation, underscoring the level of academic preparedness and professionalism nurtured within the institution. The participation of SEGi’s senior lecturer Fakhruddin, who was invited to conduct a workshop in collaboration with the International Association of Contact Lens Educators where he serves as a board member, further highlighted the faculty’s global engagement and recognition.
The visit also included a significant exchange activity with Hanoi Medical University, where SEGi students and staff engaged in meaningful discussions and explored the facilities of the Optometry and Ophthalmology departments. A highlight of the visit was a session with Professor Bruce Moore, an internationally renowned paediatric optometrist, Professor Emeritus at the New England College of Optometry, and Honorary Professor at Hanoi Medical University. These exchanges deepened students’ clinical perspectives while fostering a spirit of collaboration in eye health education.
The importance of such international engagements lies not just in academic exposure but also in addressing global health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, myopia currently affects nearly 30% of the world’s population, and this figure is projected to rise to 50% by 2050. Early education, clinical training, and research in myopia control are therefore crucial to prepare the next generation of optometrists to meet this rising demand. By participating in global conferences and university collaborations, SEGi ensures its students are positioned to contribute meaningfully to reducing preventable vision impairment, which currently affects over 2.2 billion people worldwide.
This commitment is aligned with the broader objectives of sustainable development, particularly in improving access to quality healthcare, advancing education, and strengthening global partnerships. Such initiatives exemplify the role of higher education in equipping future health professionals with the knowledge and global perspective necessary to address one of the most pressing health challenges of the century.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals