The Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), is returning to HKCEC this November 6 to 8 with over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. Under the theme “Seeing is Believing,” the fair will focus on four prominent market trends: technology, lifestyle, functionality, and sustainability — bringing industry players together to facilitate new business opportunities.
Overview
As the world’s third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames, Hong Kong is a central hub for the industry. According to the HKTDC, the total export value of Hong Kong’s eyewear, lenses, and frames is estimated to have reached HK$19.9 billion in 2023, signalling tremendous growth. The most promising sector regarded as an industry focal point is the smart eyewear sector. The global market is estimated to grow from $40 billion in 2023 to HK$100 billion by 2029.
“This year’s Hong Kong International Optical Fair, a long-standing industry highlight for over 30 years, is more international than ever, attracting more than 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions,” writes Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC. “The fair reflects the dynamic evolution in eyewear design and technology. Exhibitors worldwide are aligning their products with key trends in technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability to capture expanded market opportunities. This exhibition, which is truly a feast for the eyes, demonstrates Hong Kong’s advantages as an international trade and procurement centre.”
Aside from prominent Hong Kong brands in attendance, the fair will feature exhibitors from around the globe including Europe, the Americas, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and the United States. From Asia, booths hail from regions such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and more.
View this post on Instagram
Zones and Pavilions
Many of the exhibitors will be found at the group pavilions which are arranged by country with the addition of special pavilions such as Visionaries of Style and HKOMA Pavilion. One of the fair’s highlights is the “Brand Name Gallery” which is set to showcase over 200 renowned global brands. Additional zones represent a broad spectrum of eyewear products including Smart Eyewear, Contact Lenses & Accessories, Designer Café pavilion, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, Kids Eyewear & Reading Glasses, Lenses, Frames & Parts, Eyewear Accessories, Diagnostic Instruments, as well as Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery.
Special activations to look out for — Optometric Symposium, Eyewear Design Competition, and Click2Match
In addition to the fair itself, the 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held on 7 November. Co-organized by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Optometric Association, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this year’s symposium will highlight topics related to myopia management and prevention. Distinguished experts from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, and Germany will lead discussions alongside industry professionals. This event is an accredited CPD Programme approved by the Optometrists Board, and participants will be granted a Certificate of Attendance. Additionally, the symposium will feature discussions and seminars on topics such as smart eyewear, functional eyewear, sustainability, and other innovations in the eyewear sector.
Under the theme “Be Bold,” HKTDC and HKOMA have arranged the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition with the results to be announced during the optical fair. Winning and final entries will be on display at The Forum, Hall 1D during the fair.
Similar to last year’s arrangement, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the Click2Match business matching platform in addition to attending the physical fair until 15 November. Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, buyers can also use the Scan2Match feature of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors and view product materials, bookmark favourites, browse product information and floor plans, as well as engage with exhibitors before and after the fairs to continue their sourcing journey.
Featured Products
Below are some of the exhibitors at the forefront of their respective industries highlighted by HKTDC.
Technology
Equipped with a camera, AirGo Vision is the world’s first smart eyewear with ChatGPT-4 functionality, providing instant responses to what you see. Icare’s Reform Eyewear features a new patented flexible frame technology that seamlessly adapts to any frame shape, size, colour, or material, suitable for both prescription and sunglasses.
Lifestyle
Hong Kong eyewear brand Big Horn has launched its new Yagioka eyewear line. Featuring a modern and refined design, the collection was a finalist for the USA Accessories Council’s Design Excellence Awards 2024. Alternatively, Big Horn’s Panda eyewear series draws inspiration from the colours and shapes of the beloved animal. Crafted with precision and made from high-quality biodegradable materials, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Established in 2020, Rosie Allan celebrates family bonds and unforgettable moments, introducing matching styles for parents and their children. Specialising in 100% handcrafted acetate sunglasses, the matching parent-child collection symbolises love and togetherness.
Japan’s Inon Co. Ltd. merges high-end jewellery design with eyewear, utilising premium materials, such as 18K gold and natural diamonds. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted with a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and is specifically designed for Asian facial features.
Functionality
Crafted exclusively for kids and young athletes, Nano Vista – a Spanish brand – offers eyewear designed for outdoor activities. It is internationally recognised for its safety, meeting European EN166:2001 standards, and is endorsed by top sports federations.
Sustainability
The eyewear frames from Eleung Limited are made from BioCell material. BioCell is a cellulose acetate derived from cotton or wood pulp and is certified as biodegradable according to ISO 14855 standards. It contains no industry-standard plasticisers and is compatible with polycarbonate lenses.
Eco-friendly nylon and polycarbonate (PC) lenses from Mellan Limited are produced using sustainable materials, reducing carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. With no intent to compromise, the lenses feature high abrasion and scratch resistance backed by multiple certifications. Even in low-temperature conditions, they maintain hardness and toughness, providing excellent clarity and optical transmission performance.
More details on the 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair can be found online.
The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair
Date: 6-8 November
Time: 9:30AM to 6:30PM on 6-7 November
9:30AM to 5:00PM on 8 November
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only.
Price: Onsite Registration Fee of HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)
Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform
Date: 30 October to 15 November
Images: HKTDC
Tags
Written by
Aaron Chow
Editor
Aaron is an editor currently based in Hong Kong focused on music, fashion, F&B, tech, art, and culture.
Most Popular
