From November 6 to 8, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), this year’s event promises to be a significant highlight in the optical industry, themed ‘Seeing is Believing’.
With more than 700 exhibitors participating from 17 countries and regions, the fair reflects four key market trends: technology, lifestyle, functionality, and sustainability. This ongoing exhibition highlights the dynamic advancements in eyewear design and technology, connecting industry players to explore new business opportunities.
Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC, stated that the optical fair continues to grow in international representation, attracting exhibitors from various regions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Countries represented include France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey, among others. This highlights Hong Kong’s status as a leading international trade hub, especially in the eyewear sector where it ranks as the world’s third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames.
The estimated export value for Hong Kong’s eyewear lenses and frames reached approximately HK$199 billion in 2023, underscoring a robust growth trajectory. Notably, the smart eyewear sector has garnered considerable attention, with a global market surpassing HK$40 billion in 2023, projected to exceed HK$100 billion by 2029.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of group pavilions, including dedicated spaces for Mainland China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as the Visionaries of Style and HKOMA Pavilion. Additionally, pavilions from cities in Mainland China will be featured, including Danyang, Jiaojiang, Shenzhen, and Yingtan. A highlight of the exhibition, the Brand Name Gallery, will display over 200 renowned global brands.
The fair will encompass a wide array of eyewear products, including smart eyewear, contact lenses, accessories, and professional eyewear for various demographics. Specialized zones will also cover kids’ eyewear, reading glasses, diagnostic instruments, and optometric machinery.
On November 7, the 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will take place, focusing on advancements in myopia control and prevention. Co-organized by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Optometric Association, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the symposium will feature experts from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, and Germany discussing the latest industry developments. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance as part of this pre-approved Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program.
The Fair will also host various talks and seminars centered on smart eyewear, functional advancements, sustainability, and other innovations within the eyewear industry. Additionally, the HKTDC and HKOMA will launch the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, themed ‘Be Bold’, with results announced during the fair. Winning entries will be showcased at The Forum Hall 1D for international buyers.
Through the hybrid EXHIBITION model, exhibitors and buyers can connect online via the Click2Match business matching platform, in addition to attending the physical fair until November 15. Buyers are encouraged to utilize the Scan2Match feature of the HKTDC Marketplace App, enabling them to scan QR codes of exhibitors, access product information, bookmark favorites, and interact with exhibitors beyond the exhibition dates.
This year’s optical fair not only stands as a remarkable platform for showcasing innovative eyewear but also serves as a gathering of industry leaders committed to embracing the latest trends and technological advancements.