When Science Meets Care – "Sound Waves, Clear Vision" Initiative

From the Lab to the Worksite: The Project's Origin

My research project, "Liquid Droplet Trajectories: Harnessing Sound to Measure the Unseen," aimed to develop a low-cost, non-invasive device for dry eye screening, which was recognized with a Bronze Prize in the 2025 S.T. Yau High School Science Award (Physics). However, an award was not the end goal. I realized that migrant workers at construction sites and similar environments—constantly exposed to dust, wind, and intense light—are a high-risk group for dry eye syndrome yet rarely receive targeted medical attention. I decided to bring the lab's findings to those who needed it most.

Building Bridges: Partnering with Medical Professionals

I proactively reached out to and successfully partnered with the Dry Eye Center at Shenzhen People's Hospital (Longhua Branch). The medical team not only supported the idea but also co-organized the event, providing essential professional expertise, equipment, and personnel. This collaboration transformed a student-led idea into a credible, impactful health initiative, ensuring both safety and quality for the participants.

The Event Day: A Confluence of Care, Innovation, and Education

The event was a holistic blend of service, technology, and empowerment. Doctors conducted comprehensive eye examinations, including vision acuity tests and preliminary checks for common conditions, addressing immediate health concerns that many participants had neglected for years.

Alongside traditional methods, I demonstrated my research prototype—a non-invasive device using surface acoustic waves to assess tear film health. This live demonstration served as a practical pilot test and sparked engaging conversations about how science can simplify healthcare diagnostics.

I provided public science education sessions on dry eye prevention, explaining the impact of occupational environments and demonstrating simple, actionable protective measures—such as the importance of protective eyewear and conscious blinking. The profound engagement revealed a deep, unmet need for accessible health knowledge within this community.

Impact and Insights: Beyond Expectations

The response was overwhelmingly positive. The gratitude expressed by workers, who shared that "no one had ever explained this to us before," highlighted a critical gap in healthcare outreach. Beyond offering a service, the initiative fostered a meaningful dialogue. It provided me with invaluable real-world feedback on the device's potential and crucially affirmed that true innovation must be guided by empathy and a direct understanding of community needs.

Looking Forward: A First Step in a Longer Journey

This initiative was a powerful first step, demonstrating the tangible social value of student-led, application-driven research. It validated the device's relevance and underscored the urgent need for sustainable health outreach to underserved groups. Moving forward, this experience fuels my commitment to refining the technology for greater accessibility and advocating for more inclusive healthcare models, where scientific progress translates directly into community well-being.