HONG KONG—The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced that it is partnering with Zeiss Vision Care, a manufacturer of eyeglass lenses and ophthalmic instruments, to expand global impact and speed up market penetration of PolyU's proprietary myopia control lens technologies through a global partnership involving IP licensing and joint research and development, according to the announcement. Under the terms of the agreement, Zeiss Vision Care will adopt PolyU's patented myopia control technology in its specialized optical products.

The licensing agreement signing ceremony was held at Zeiss Vision Care's headquarters in Aalen, Germany, and attended by representatives from both parties including professor Chea-su Kee, head of the PolyU School of Optometry; Dr Benjamin Viering, chief technology officer and chief operating officer, Zeiss Vision Care; Kelvin Wong, director of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship of PolyU; and Timo Kratzer, head of lens product development at Zeiss Vision Care. Inventors of the myopia control technologies from the PolyU School of Optometry, including Dr. Dennis Tse, associate professor, professor Chi-ho To, visiting chair professor, and professor Carly Lam, adjunct professor, were also present.

The partnership paves the way for a long-term collaboration in research and development between PolyU and Zeiss, focusing on myopia control and other ophthalmic technologies, according to the announcement.

Wong commented on the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with a global industry leader like Zeiss Vision Care not only accelerates the market presence of our innovations but also amplifies the impact of our research and endeavors in commercialization. PolyU innovations in the areas of myopia control and other ophthalmic issues are poised to make an unprecedented societal impact."

Dr. Viering added, "PolyU and Zeiss have been working closely together for many years. Further research into the understanding and treatment of myopia is of paramount importance and requires intensive cooperation between academia and industry. We are therefore very pleased to deepen our cooperation to combat progressive myopia for the benefit of children around the world."