HKTDC’s Optical Fair to showcase latest innovations

Global trends in fashionable eyewear will be showcased at HKTDC Hong Kong Optical

Fair, to be held from November 5 to 7, 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hong Kong is the third largest exporter of spectacles and frames in the world after Italy and the Chinese mainland.

HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2013 saw as many as 700 exhibitors from 26 countries and around 14,000 buyers from 100 countries. The 2014 fair expects these numbers to be higher. Frames featuring floating big logos at temples and accents with crystals, coloured stones and diamonds are a prime source of style. The ‘Brand Name Gallery’ showcases brands from around the world. The combined power of brands has lifted the zone to a major highlight of the fair. This year, the Gallery expects to welcome some 180 well-known brands including ic! berlin, Davidoff, Italia Independent, John Varvatos, Mango Eyewear, Moscot, Mykita, Missoni, Muzik and Frency-Mercury.

Innovation in manufacturing materials and technologies of different brands will be showcased. Italia Independent is using its worldwide patent UV LUX treatment that makes the surface of the sunglasses soft at touch. The special treatment not only gives the glasses a velvety effect, but also has the attribute of being scratch-proof. Besides, Thom Browne will feature the winning piece of the Silmo d’Or 2013 in the ‘Frame Category’, and Crosstoad will bring forth glasses of the highest level of comfort and lightness produced by IP vacuum electroplating technology and laser soldering technique.

Other fair highlights include kids eyewear, reading glasses, contact lens & accessories, diagnostic instruments, eyewear, frames & lens, eyewear accessories, optometric instruments, equipment and machinery and sporting & professional eyewear.

A series of seminars would also be organized during the fair. This year’s 12th Hong Kong Optometric Conference, themed the ‘Development of Optometry for the Future’, will gather experts from around the globe to discuss hot topics of the industry. Among which, heavyweight speakers include professors of ophthalmology from Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University of the US, who will share their insights into topics of Google Glass Apps for People with Impaired Vision and Bionic Vision respectively.

The winning entries of the 16th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition themed ‘Retro’ will also be showcased during the fair, giving designers exposure to international industry insiders and promoting local talents.