The Hong Kong International Optical Fair closed on 8 November, attracting some 13,000 buyers from 94 countries and regions.
The exhibition saw an increase in buyers from ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, Australia, Japan and Taiwan, eager to source the latest eyewear designs and new products across the optical industry including frames, lenses and components as well as diagnostic equipment, optical accessories and children’s eyewear.
Sales were brisk across the three days. A regular fair attendee, optical wholesaler and distributor Mahmut Arikan from Türkiye said: “This year, we discovered many new designs. We placed onsite orders totalling US$200,000 with 13 existing suppliers and seven new suppliers for optical frames, sunglasses, and clip-ons. After the fair, we plan to purchase an additional US$1 million worth of new products from other suppliers.”
This year three new product categories were introduced - Green Solutions, Smart Eyewear and Smart Ageing Products. Through this categorisation, buyers could effortlessly locate products that reflect the latest industry trends and keep pace with consumer demand.
In the Green Solutions category, Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International manufactures biodegradable and bio-based eyewear. Founder and creative director Kevin Ching said that a new buyer from Malaysia had placed an onsite order and that he expected sales generated by this year’s fair to increase 50% over last year.
Eyewear integrated with smart and innovative features drew strong interest from buyers keen to tap into the demand for gadgets and everyday connected products.
The AirGo™ Vision spectacle device is produced by Solos Technology in Hong Kong and features ChatGPT-4o functionality. General Manager Kenny Cheung said: “This innovative product has drawn significant interest from international buyers, and we anticipate partnerships with over 10 buyers from Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Malaysia, and the UK. AirGo™ Vision appeals not only to young users but also to elderly and visually impaired individuals, opening up new business opportunities in the silver market.”
Run alongside the exhibition, the Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium explored the latest research in myopia control and prevention, and the Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition was held to recognise innovation in local eyewear design.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the HKTDC Click2Match smart business matching platform until 15 November.
