Hong Kong International Optical Fair Draws 12,000 Buyers as Smart Technology and Sustainability Drive Industry Evolution

The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair concluded with approximately 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions participating in the three-day event, demonstrating the fair's continued significance as a global sourcing platform for the eyewear industry. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the fair attracted substantial international participation with buyers primarily coming from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the United States, and ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the fair's role as a premier sourcing platform that brought together world-leading eyewear brands with innovative technologies and eco-friendly designs. The event featured industry seminars, design competitions, and eyewear parades that played pivotal roles in fostering collaboration and networking within the industry. The fair's hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which integrates online and offline elements, extended business opportunities through platforms like Click2Match, available until November 14 at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en.

Smart technology and sustainability emerged as dominant industry drivers throughout the event. The fair showcased products aligning with key market trends including smart technology, sustainability, silver healthcare, and functionality combined with design. Exhibitors introduced products integrating artificial intelligence and eco-friendly materials, catering to diverse market needs while enhancing the industry's international competitiveness. The Brand Name Gallery featured over 200 renowned global brands, including BIG HORN and P+US from Hong Kong, MINIMA from France, STEPPER from Germany, and new participants like SUEEY.MASADA from the Chinese Mainland.

Technological innovation was particularly evident in products targeting the silver market. Shenzhen MUEDO Technology Co., Ltd. presented its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses featuring auto-focusing lenses and Hi-Fi stereo sound. Helen Zhuang, Overseas Sales Manager, reported receiving inquiries from buyers in Italy, Germany, the US, and India, with ongoing negotiations for a potential US$500,000 order from an Italian buyer. This demonstrates the growing commercial viability of smart eyewear solutions for aging populations.

Sustainability initiatives gained significant traction in response to rising Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations. Many brands launched glasses featuring recycled materials, with Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International Limited offering collections of eco-friendly sunglasses and optical frames made from biodegradable materials. Founder and Creative Director Kevin Ching noted that the fair's Green Solutions Suppliers label helped attract buyers to examine products and learn about the company's sustainability vision. The company connected with 20 buyers from Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Chinese Mainland, including a potential US$1 million order from an Israeli agent with 260 retail points.

The fair attracted prominent international buyers including Mondottica Group's Australian representative, Brazil's VISTA IMPORT, France's Kering Eyewear, Germany's Fielmann Group, UK's Specsavers, India's Lenskart, and the United States' Euro Vision International. Caitlin Northup, Vice President of Operations for US-based wholesale distributor Eyenavision, stated they met with 20 exhibitors and placed onsite orders totaling US$500,000 with two exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland for lenses, highlighting the fair's immediate commercial impact.

Spanish family business Optisero, S.L., with 30 years in the optical industry, has attended the fair for twenty years. Joint Administrator Antonia Rivas reported connecting with 20 potential suppliers with an annual sourcing budget of approximately EUR2 million for suppliers met at the fair. This long-term participation underscores the event's consistent value for established industry players seeking reliable partnerships.

The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, co-organized by HKTDC and HKOMA, promoted diversification and internationalization of local eyewear designs. Themed Blending Tradition and Technology, the competition identified emerging design talents and promoted innovative design within the local industry. Open Group champion Fung Wai-kuen's design Be With You automatically alerts family members via bluetooth-connected smartphones when the wearer falls or presses an emergency button, significantly reducing accident risks for elderly users. This design also won the Made-to-Sell Award, indicating both innovation and commercial potential. Student Group winner Shum Chui-shan's Unique Perspectives incorporated traditional Chinese butterfly symbolism using tie-dye techniques and detachable structures enhancing three-dimensional effects and functionality.

The fair's continued adoption of hybrid engagement models through platforms like Click2Match and Scan2Match functions on the HKTDC Marketplace App enables ongoing business connections beyond the physical event. Buyers can scan exhibitors' QR codes to bookmark suppliers, access product details, and make enquiries, facilitating continuous engagement throughout the sourcing journey. This digital integration reflects the industry's adaptation to evolving business practices and the increasing importance of flexible, accessible trade platforms in the post-pandemic era.