The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running through November 7 with over 660 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the event demonstrates the eyewear industry's accelerating transformation toward smart technology integration and sustainable practices.
This year's fair introduces three specialized product labels that address critical market demands: Smart Ageing Products, Green Solutions Suppliers, and Smart Eyewear. These categories reflect the industry's response to global demographic shifts and environmental concerns. Jenny Koo, Acting Executive Director of HKTDC, emphasized the fair's international reach, noting participation from emerging markets across ASEAN, the Middle East, and South America, alongside traditional markets like Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The Smart Ageing Products category addresses the growing silver market with innovative solutions for age-related vision challenges. Chinese Mainland brand MUEDO presents its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses featuring auto-focusing lenses and hi-fi stereo sound quality, while Japanese exhibitor Sasamata showcases ultra-lightweight eyewear with a stage-controlled flip-up mechanism. These developments signal the industry's commitment to creating products that enhance quality of life for aging populations worldwide.
Sustainability takes center stage through the Green Solutions Suppliers label and the Green Booth Design Competition. Hong Kong-based JLX STUDIO MADE demonstrates how 3D-printed eyewear can reduce production waste, while competition winners Wenzhou Ouhai Glasses Co Ltd, Micron Eyewear Manufactory Company Limited, and Jiangsu Xuzhi Optical Glasses Co., Ltd. showcase designs centered around eco-friendly materials. This emphasis on environmental responsibility reflects increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and the industry's acknowledgment of its environmental impact.
Technological innovation appears throughout the fair, particularly in the Smart Eyewear category. Chinese Mainland brand LAWAKEN presents its LAWK ONE AR glasses, which integrate fitness tracking, AR navigation, and 4K recording capabilities. Hong Kong exhibitor Arts Optical Company Limited introduces OPTI AI, utilizing VR and artificial intelligence to create bespoke progressive lenses that overcome traditional fitting limitations. These advancements represent significant steps toward personalized eyewear solutions that adapt to individual needs.
The fair's educational component includes tomorrow's 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, themed Age Well, See Well: Redefining Eye Care for the Golden Age. The symposium brings together experts from Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom to discuss age-related visual challenges and optometric care for patients with cognitive impairment. Accredited by the Optometrist Board of Hong Kong, the event offers up to six Continuing Professional Development hours, supporting healthcare professionals in addressing the complex needs of aging populations.
Design innovation receives recognition through the 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, which encourages fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Winning and shortlisted entries are displayed at the BNG Rendezvous, showcasing how designers balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. The competition results are available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en.
The fair continues to employ the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, extending business opportunities through the Click2Match online platform until November 14. This approach enables ongoing engagement between exhibitors and buyers, reflecting the industry's adaptation to digital commerce trends. Event details and additional information can be found at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hub and https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-23rd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium.
