Hong Kong Optical Fair Attracts 12,000 Buyers, Showcases Smart Eyewear

The 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, concluded successfully after attracting some 12,000 buyers from 101 countries and regions. Under the theme “Bright Eyes • New Horizons,” the three-day event reaffirmed Hong Kong’s role as a premier international platform connecting the global optical industry. HKTDC Acting Executive Director Smilely Lam noted that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and growing demand driven by the silver economy are creating new growth opportunities for the optical industry, and the fair responded proactively by showcasing innovative products that integrate smart technologies, health management and fashion design.

The fair’s signature Brand Name Gallery featured some 200 renowned brands from around the world, including BIG HORN and LOOMINELITE from Hong Kong; Ouieike and PARZIN from Chinese Mainland; Classico from Taiwan; Minima and Sabine Be from France; ByWP and STEPPER EYEWEAR from Germany; Modo and Off-White from Italy; nimome and VR&VERGT from Korea; TIJN from the Netherlands; Brevno from Russia; and Umbro from the UK. Kevin Ching, Founder and Creative Director of BIG HORN, said the company met with more than 10 potential buyers and expects orders worth around HK$1 million. Smart eyewear was a key theme, with exhibitors showcasing AI-powered functions such as real-time translation, voice interaction, health monitoring and navigation. David Chen, Founder & CEO of Shenzhen Muedo Technology Co., Ltd., a Tier-1 supplier of smart glasses for Lenovo, expected the fair to generate around US$1 million in sales. The silver economy also drove demand for vision care and age-friendly products, with Hong Kong exhibitor Rayke Intelligent Technology Limited unveiling new senior hearing glasses and children’s smart glasses.

The fair attracted buyers from across the globe, including Australian optical retailer The Optical Company, Canadian retail chain Optical London Drugs, French optical retail chain Optical Factory, Indonesian optical chain Grand Optik, Malaysia’s Skyline Optical, Singapore-based Capitol Optical, Spanish optical supplier Protecfarma, and the United States’ optical retailer Vision Plus. The HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association also co-organized the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme “Mix & Match” to encourage original design and nurture local talent. The fair will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform available until 13 November. The Hong Kong International Optical Fair remains a vital platform for industry players to capture opportunities arising from technological transformation and expand into international markets.