2023 Hong Kong Optical Fair: A Global Platform for Eyewear Innovation and B2B Sourcing

The Hong Kong International Optical Fair is widely regarded as Asia's leading optical trade show and one of the most important sourcing events on the global eyewear calendar. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the fair brings together manufacturers, distributors, and buyers from across the world for three days of product discovery, networking, and business negotiation.

For B2B buyers and optical retailers, the fair represents far more than a product showcase—it is a strategic platform for identifying new suppliers, evaluating emerging trends, and building long-term partnerships that drive business growth. At READSUN Optical, we view the Hong Kong Optical Fair as an essential touchpoint for understanding market direction and connecting with partners across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Fair Overview: Dates, Venue, and Scale

The 31st Hong Kong International Optical Fair took place from 8 to 10 November 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. As the first full-scale physical optical fair since the pandemic, the event demonstrated strong momentum for the global eyewear industry.

Hong Kong TDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong remarked: "This year's Hong Kong International Optical Fair is the first physical optical exhibition after the resumption of normal travel. We are pleased to see the vibrant trading atmosphere in the exhibition hall, and we are delighted that many buyers from different countries and regions came to Hong Kong in person to visit and procure. Buyer numbers recorded increases from individual markets including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Mainland China, Macao and India"[reference:0].

Hong Kong: The World's Third-Largest Eyewear Exporter

To understand why the Hong Kong Optical Fair carries such weight in the global eyewear industry, it is important to understand the city's role in the supply chain. Hong Kong remained the world's third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames in 2023, behind only Mainland China and Italy[reference:1]. Hong Kong eyewear manufacturers are renowned for producing medium to high-end frames through original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) models, serving overseas buyers and global brands from factories in mainland China and ASEAN countries[reference:2].

In 2023 alone, Hong Kong's exports of spectacles, lenses, and frames reached approximately HKD 19.9 billion. The European Union (27 countries) and the United States are Hong Kong's two largest eyewear export markets, together accounting for more than 50% of total eyewear exports[reference:3]. For international buyers, sourcing from Hong Kong-based manufacturers offers a unique combination of design sophistication, manufacturing reliability, and regulatory compliance that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

The Two Defining Trends of the 2023 Fair

The 2023 edition of the Hong Kong Optical Fair was defined by two powerful industry currents: smart eyewear technology and sustainable materials. Both trends reflect broader shifts in consumer expectations and manufacturing capability.

Trend 1: Smart Eyewear Takes Centre Stage

Technology has permeated every aspect of daily life, and eyewear is no exception. The 2023 fair introduced a dedicated Smart Eyewear zone—a first for the event—spotlighting innovative products that merge optical functionality with digital features.

Hong Kong eyewear brand Solos Technology showcased its AirGo™ 3 smart glasses, which integrate ChatGPT and wearable technology. According to Solos General Manager Kenny Cheung, the company spent the three-day fair busy introducing smart eyewear technology to buyers, found new distributors from Asia and Europe, and was in talks with optical manufacturers from Hong Kong and Mainland China[reference:4].

For B2B buyers, the emergence of smart eyewear signals a new product category with premium pricing potential. These products combine vision correction with audio, connectivity, and AI-powered features—creating fresh opportunities for retailers targeting tech-savvy consumers.

Trend 2: Sustainability Moves from Niche to Necessity

Environmental sustainability was a dominant theme throughout the fair. Hong Kong exhibitor Mingji Industrial Company, a first-time participant, promoted its newly developed bio-based, biodegradable material called BioAcetate S70, designed for eco-friendly eyewear. The company's Operations Director Ng Yuk Mei reported: "We received positive responses from eyewear manufacturers and brand owners from Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mainland China, Thailand and Mauritius. Among them, five to six new buyers will order our BioAcetate S70 material"[reference:5].

The fair also introduced "Green Solutions Suppliers" labels to help buyers easily identify eco-friendly products. For European buyers in particular—where sustainability regulations and consumer expectations are most advanced—these labels provided a practical filter for sourcing decisions.

Real Business Outcomes: What Buyers Achieved at the Fair

The Hong Kong Optical Fair consistently generates measurable business results. The 2023 edition saw significant purchase commitments across product categories:

• Brazil's Vista Import: Seventh-year attendee Vista Import pre-identified suppliers through the Click2Match platform before arriving. Director Roberto Basile Neto planned to purchase 20,000 pairs of sports sunglasses, 20,000 pairs of protective children's sports eyewear, and 10,000 pairs of children's eyewear from three new suppliers[reference:6].
• Vietnam's An Khang Phuc Co., Ltd: Managing Director Van Dut Le connected with Hong Kong and Korean suppliers through the fair's business matching service, placing orders exceeding USD 130,000 for lens edging machines and 20,000 pairs of contact lenses[reference:7].
• Hong Kong exhibitors: Multiple exhibitors reported strong buyer interest. Solos Technology found new distributors from Asia and Europe, while Mingji Industrial secured orders for its BioAcetate S70 material from buyers across seven countries[reference:8].

These outcomes demonstrate that the fair is not merely a showcase—it is a working platform where real transactions take place. For B2B buyers, the ability to meet suppliers face-to-face, inspect products physically, and negotiate terms directly accelerates the sourcing process and reduces risk.

READSUN Optical at the Hong Kong Optical Fair

At READSUN Optical, we participated in the 2023 Hong Kong Optical Fair to showcase our latest collections and connect with B2B partners from across Asia and beyond. Our booth attracted strong interest from buyers seeking:

• Children's and youth optical frames: Designed with comfort and durability in mind, our TR90 and acetate series drew particular attention from buyers across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
• Acetate magnetic clip-on frames: Our core specialty, offering premium materials, reliable magnetic systems, and refined finishing for brand partners seeking differentiation.
• Private Label Development Service: Our integrated OEM/ODM capabilities attracted significant interest from brands looking to develop their own eyewear collections.
• Reading glasses: From compact foldable readers to full-frame designs, our reading glasses range resonated with buyers in pharmacy and optical retail channels.

The feedback from the 2023 fair was overwhelmingly positive. Many partners expressed appreciation for our ability to combine design innovation with reliable manufacturing and flexible customization—precisely the combination that B2B buyers need in an increasingly competitive market.

Why the Hong Kong Optical Fair Matters for B2B Buyers

For optical retailers, distributors, and brand owners, the Hong Kong Optical Fair offers distinct advantages that virtual sourcing platforms cannot replicate:

• Physical product evaluation: Unlike online catalogues, the fair allows buyers to inspect frame materials, hinge quality, lens finishes, and overall craftsmanship in person.
• Direct factory dialogue: Meeting manufacturers face-to-face accelerates trust-building and enables deeper discussions about customization, MOQs, and compliance requirements.
• Trend intelligence: The fair's trend presentations and Smart Eyewear zone provide concentrated market intelligence that informs product development and purchasing decisions.
• Complete supply chain access: The fair brings together the entire supply chain—from raw material suppliers to lens manufacturers to retail chains—enabling holistic sourcing conversations.

For READSUN Optical, the fair was not only a product showcase but also a platform for collaboration. We met with long-term partners and welcomed many new faces who share our passion for quality eyewear. Through these interactions, READSUN continues to strengthen its position as a trusted OEM manufacturer and brand builder in the global eyewear industry.

Practical Information for the Next Hong Kong Optical Fair

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Edition and Beyond

As we wrap up another successful Hong Kong Optical Fair, we take with us renewed inspiration and valuable feedback from our global partners. The 2023 edition confirmed that the eyewear industry is moving toward greater technological integration and sustainability commitment.

READSUN Optical will continue to focus on design innovation, reliable manufacturing, and helping more brands—from startups to established names—grow in the eyewear market. Whether you are sourcing for a large optical chain or developing a niche private-label collection, we invite you to connect with us to discuss how we can support your next product line.

👉 Interested in meeting us at the next Hong Kong Optical Fair or discussing your sourcing requirements? Contact READSUN Optical to schedule a meeting or request our latest product catalogue.