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 sourcing platform for the eyewear industry. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the three-day event saw significant 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 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 theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons" showcased products aligned with key market trends including smart technology, sustainability, silver healthcare, and functionality combined with design.
Smart technology emerged as a significant industry driver, with exhibitors demonstrating innovative products that expand the potential of smart glasses in both daily life and professional applications. Shenzhen MUEDO Technology Co., Ltd. from the Chinese Mainland presented its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses featuring auto-focusing lenses and Hi-Fi stereo sound specifically targeting the silver market. 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.
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 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, resulting in connections with 20 buyers from Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Chinese Mainland, including a potential US$1 million order from an Israeli agent.
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, and new participating brands such as SUEEY.MASADA from Chinese Mainland. The event attracted prominent international buyers including Australia's Mondottica Group, 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. Spanish family business Optisero, S.L., represented by 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.
The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, co-organized by HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, promoted diversification and internationalization of local eyewear designs under the theme "Blending Tradition and Technology." The Open Group champion, "Be With You" designed by Fung Wai-kuen, automatically alerts family members via bluetooth-connected smartphones when the wearer falls or presses an emergency button, significantly reducing accident risks for elderly users. Student Group winner Shum Chui-shan's "Unique Perspectives" incorporated traditional Chinese butterfly symbolism using tie-dye techniques and detachable structures.
The fair continued using the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model integrating online and offline elements, with the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform available until November 14. Buyers could use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors' QR codes, bookmark suppliers, access product details, and make enquiries, extending business opportunities beyond the physical event. More information about the fair is available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en while competition results can be found at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-23rd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium.
