The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair concluded successfully, attracting approximately 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions, reinforcing its position as a crucial global platform for eyewear industry connections. International buyers primarily traveled from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the United States, and ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, demonstrating the fair's extensive global reach and importance in international trade networks.
Smart technology and sustainability emerged as dominant industry drivers throughout the event, with exhibitors showcasing products aligned with key market trends including silver healthcare and functionality combined with design. Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of organizer Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), emphasized the fair's role as a premier sourcing platform that brought together leading eyewear brands with innovative technologies and eco-friendly designs. The event featured industry seminars, design competitions, and eyewear parades that fostered collaboration and networking within the global optical industry.
The fair's Brand Name Gallery featured over 200 renowned international brands, including BIG HORN and P+US from Hong Kong, MINIMA from France, STEPPER from Germany, United Colors of Benetton from Italy, Masunaga since 1905 and MATSUDA from Japan, Nano Vista from Spain, Ted Baker from the United Kingdom, alongside new participants such as SUEEY.MASADA from Chinese Mainland. Exhibitors demonstrated smart products with innovative technologies that expand the potential applications of smart glasses in both daily life and professional sectors. Shenzhen MUEDO Technology Co., Ltd. presented its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses featuring auto-focusing lenses and Hi-Fi stereo sound specifically targeting the silver market. Overseas Sales Manager Helen Zhuang reported receiving inquiries from buyers in Italy, Germany, the US, and India, while negotiating a potential collaboration with an Italian buyer valued at approximately US$500,000.
Environmental sustainability initiatives took center stage as many eyewear brands launched products featuring recycled materials in response to growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns. Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International Limited showcased collections of eco-friendly sunglasses and optical frames manufactured from biodegradable materials. Founder and Creative Director Kevin Ching noted that the fair's thematic labels, including the Green Solutions Suppliers designation, 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 operating 260 retail locations.
The event attracted prominent international buyers including Mondottica Group's Australian representative, Brazil's VISTA IMPORT, leading European industry players such as France's Kering Eyewear Asia-Pacific representative, Germany's Fielmann Group, and the UK's Specsavers Asia representative. Other significant attendees included India's eyewear giant Lenskart, Indonesia's Grand Optik, Singapore's Capitol Optical, and the United States' Euro Vision International. Caitlin Northup, Vice President of Operations for US-based wholesale distributor Eyenavision, stated they aimed to explore new suppliers and strengthen existing relationships, meeting with 20 exhibitors and placing onsite orders totaling US$500,000 with two exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland for lenses.
Spanish family business Optisero, S.L., with 30 years in the optical industry, has attended the fair annually for two decades to source optical cases and lenses. Joint Administrator Antonia Rivas reported connecting with 20 potential suppliers at this year's event, with an overall sourcing budget of approximately EUR2 million annually for suppliers met at the fair. The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, co-organized by HKTDC and Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, promoted diversification and internationalization of local eyewear designs while identifying emerging design talents. Themed Blending Tradition and Technology, the competition featured Open and Student groups, with winning entry Be With You by Fung Wai-kuen automatically alerting family members via bluetooth-connected smartphones when wearers fall or press emergency buttons, significantly reducing accident risks for elderly users.
The fair continued utilizing the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model integrating online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en until November 14, while the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App allows buyers to scan exhibitor QR codes to bookmark suppliers, access product details, and make inquiries, enabling continued engagement beyond the physical event dates.
