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, will take place from 4 to 6 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons," the fair will feature more than 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, offering a comprehensive sourcing platform for smart eyewear, eye care, sports eyewear, frames, lenses, and more. The event underscores the eyewear industry's shift toward innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer lifestyles, with far-reaching implications for global trade and public health.
The rise of smart eyewear is a central focus. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam noted that AI-powered smart glasses recorded global shipments of 8.7 million units last year, a year-on-year increase of 322%, signaling strong growth momentum. According to IDC, global smart glasses shipments reached 3.566 million units in the first quarter of 2026, up 130.1% year-on-year. These figures highlight the transition of smart eyewear from a niche category to mainstream adoption. The fair will showcase products with augmented reality, AI voice assistants, real-time translation, 4K recording, and navigation functions, reflecting how technology is reshaping the industry and creating new market opportunities.
Demand from the silver economy is another key driver. Exhibitors will present progressive lenses, smart reading glasses, bone-conduction audio glasses, and eye-care devices designed for older consumers. This focus addresses the growing need for vision care and eye-health products among aging populations, with implications for public health and quality of life. The fair also emphasizes sports and performance eyewear, sustainability-focused products, and green manufacturing technologies, aligning with global trends toward healthier lifestyles and environmental responsibility.
Industry events will provide deeper insights. The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium on 5 November, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will gather experts from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Under the theme "Primary Eye Care in Action: Elevating Clinical Scope and Community Impact," discussions will cover paediatric eye care, digital eye strain, driving vision assessment, dry eye management, inherited retinal diseases, and collaborative care between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Additionally, the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition will hold its award ceremony on opening day, with a new Technology Concept Award for students to encourage creativity and technological integration.
The fair will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, integrating online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. The Click2Match smart business-matching platform will run until 13 November, while the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App will allow buyers to bookmark suppliers and access product details during the physical event. Pre-registered buyers from leading retailers worldwide, including Capitol Optical (Singapore), Eyespace Eyewear (UK), and Vision Plus (US), demonstrate the event's international appeal. For more details, visit the Hong Kong International Optical Fair website, the event programme, and the Optometric Symposium page. The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary, continues to promote Hong Kong as a global business hub through international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions. For further information, see the HKTDC website and research reports.
