Record-Breaking Hong Kong Optical Fair Opens
More than 600 Exhibitors on Hand for Eyewear Event

3 November 2011 - The 19th HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair opened today with more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions taking part, a new fair record. The Optical Fair continues through 5 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Brand Name Gallery

The event also includes a record number of Brand Name Gallery exhibitors - more than 150 from 18 countries and regions. First-time participants at Brand Name Gallery are Arnold Palmer, Betsey Johnson, Fiorucci, Guy Laroche, Kenzo, Mammoth, myDeary, TD Tom Davies and Zadig & Voltaire.

The HKTDC has organised about 70 buying missions, including some 3,000 buyers from all over the world.

Zoning In

Highlights include the inaugural Contact Lens & Accessories zone, with 16 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, and such eco-friendly products as foldable eyewear cases made of recycled cardboard. Other popular product zones include Eyewear, Frames, Lens & Accessories, Optometric Instruments, Equipment and Machinery, and Trade Services.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organiser, the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association have also arranged a host of seminars and related events to give visitors a clear view of the latest industry developments.

Conference Vision

The ninth Hong Kong Optometric Conference, 4 November, looks at vision development and myopia, bringing together optometrists and neuroscience experts from Canada, Finland, Hong Kong and Singapore. The conference, with its "Vision for the Next Generation" theme, is organised by the HKTDC, The Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Other industry events include the "Compliance with International Standards - Latest Updates" seminar, hosted by The Vision Council and Intertek Testing Services, and GfK's "Optics Market Outlook 2012 - Insights of Asia, Europe and the US." Fashion takes the spotlight in "A Global Eyewear Tour - Looking at the Latest Style" seminar.

Eyewear Parades

Three Brand Name Gallery eyewear parades will take place during the fair, while winning and finalist entries in the 13th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition are on display at the Wine Cellar, Hall 1B, throughout the fair.

Quick Response

The Optical Fair is the first in Hong Kong to feature Quick Response (QR) technology, which instantly connects exhibitors and buyers and provides a summary of all booths visited during the event.

Buyers who register for the service simply use their smartphones or tablets to scan the QR code at each exhibition booth. With this, they obtain exhibitor profiles and e-catalogues instantly and, within 24 hours, a personalised email listing all exhibitors scanned.

The Optical Fair is a fitting showcase for one of Hong Kong's leading export industries, which shipped spectacles, lenses and frames worth US$1.47 billion from January to September this year - a 10 per cent increase, year-on-year.