The 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, concluded with some 12,000 buyers from 101 countries and regions, reinforcing the city's position as a premier platform for cross-border optical trade. Buyers from outside Hong Kong came primarily from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the US and ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
The significance of the three-day event under the theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons" lies in how it mapped the forces reshaping the global optical market. Smilely Lam, HKTDC Acting Executive Director, said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and growing demand driven by the silver economy are creating new growth opportunities for the industry. The fair responded by showcasing products that integrate smart technologies, health management and fashion design, while helping exhibitors connect with buyers and partners to explore new customer segments and expand internationally.
Smart eyewear emerged as a central theme. Shenzhen Muedo Technology, a Tier-1 supplier of smart glasses for Lenovo, presented models including glasses with a 13-megapixel camera and glasses with a built-in display supporting app-based control. Its founder and CEO, David Chen, said the products drew enquiries from buyers in India, Japan and the United States, with factory visits being arranged, and he expected the fair to generate around US$1 million in sales. He noted the company has exported to Europe, Southeast Asia and the US since joining the fair in 2023. Privacy concerns were addressed with a physical camera cover that users must slide open before taking photos.
The silver economy was equally prominent, with exhibitors presenting eye-care products, functional lenses and vision-assistance devices for mature consumers and seniors. Hong Kong exhibitor Rayke Intelligent Technology unveiled senior hearing glasses and children's smart glasses and received enquiries from more than 30 distributors, retailers and brand owners across nine markets, expecting approximately US$100,000 in sales.
The fair's Brand Name Gallery featured some 200 brands, including Hong Kong's BIG HORN and LOOMINELITE, France's Minima and Sabine Be, Germany's ByWP and STEPPER EYEWEAR, Italy's Modo and Off-White, and Korea's nimome and VR&VERGT. Kevin Ching, founder and creative director of BIG HORN, said the brand met more than 10 potential buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Egypt, Indonesia, Korea and the Philippines and expected orders worth around HK$1 million.
International buyers also reported concrete sourcing outcomes. Frian Lin, director of Malaysian distributor Skyline Optical Trading, said annual procurement through the fair is around US$1 million and that two potential OEM suppliers of titanium and TR90 frames were identified this year. Egyptian wholesaler Kayan Optics placed an additional US$15,000 order for Nyx Vision lenses and sourced more than 7,000 optical lenses worth about US$14,000.
The HKTDC, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences and business missions, supported by more than 50 offices worldwide. Market insights are published through research reports and digital news channels.
The fair also hosted the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, whose results are detailed in a competition report, and the 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium. The fair continues its EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the Click2Match platform extending business matching until 13 November. Full details are available on the fair website.
