The 33rd 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), concluded on 7 November.
The three-day fair attracted some 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions.
Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily hailed from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the US, and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, and included major industry players such as representatives of Kering Eyewear (France), Fielmann Group (Germany), Specsavers (UK) and Grand Optik (Indonesia).
The fair spotlighted cutting-edge products aligned with key market trends: smart technology, sustainability, silver healthcare, and functionality & design. Exhibitors showcased innovations blending AI, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic appeal, reinforcing the industry's global competitiveness.
The Brand Name Gallery featured over 200 international brands, including Big Horn and P+US from Hong Kong, MINIMA, JULBO, SABINE BE from France, STEPPER from Germany, United Colours of Benetton from Italy, Masunaga, Matsuda and Sasaki from Japan, Ted Baker from the US, and many more.
Smart eyewear took centre stage, with Shenzhen MUEDO Technology unveiling its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses, featuring auto-focus lenses and stereo sound tailored for the ageing market. The company reported strong international interest, including a potential US$500,000 (HK$3.88 million) deal with an Italian buyer.
Many eyewear brands presented products made from recycled materials, such as those from Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International’s which uses biodegradable materials. Founder and Creative Director Kevin Ching said the company engaged with 20 buyers from Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Chinese Mainland, and reported a potential US$1 million (HK$7.7 million) order from an Israeli agent with 260 retail outlets.
Long-time buyers continued to value the fair’s diverse range of products and suppliers. Antonia Rivas, Joint Administrator at Optisero, a family business with a 30-year history in the optical industry said: “We have attended the Optical Fair every year for the past twenty years to source optical cases and lenses. This year, we connected with 20 potential suppliers at the fair. Our overall sourcing budget for suppliers we met at the fair will be around EUR2 million (HK$17 million) annually.”
The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, co-organised by HKTDC and HKOMA, aimed to promote innovation and global reach in local eyewear design. Under the theme Blending Tradition and Technology, the event featured both Open and Student Groups, with winning entries displayed during the fair.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can continue to connect through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 14 November.