Celebrating its 20th edition, HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2012, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), taking place from November 7-9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
For medium to high-end optical products, the fair is a major optical industry centre of activity. In 2011, the fair attracted a record breaking of more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, connected with over 12,000 trade buyers from all over the globe. This year, France is setting up group pavilion for the first time to showcase their finest eyewear products.
Philip Mah, Asia Business Manager of Sauflon International from UK praised the fair, “This is our seventh time here, and every year we find more new customers as a result. It is a one-stop solution. This is an important show in Asia because it is very international – other regional events tend to be domestic. In addition, we get good service here as everything is very efficient; it is easy to get set up here and communication with organising staff is good.”
The fair loyal buyer, Terry Ngeow, Managing Director of ProEyes Studio from Malaysia echoed, “I’ve been visiting this show for the past eight years since the company was established and every year I see more and more new designers showing their collections here, including those from Belgium, France and Italy. I see brands here, even from Europe, that I don’t see at the other major optical fairs. I’m particularly impressed with the Brand Name Gallery and the Visionaries of Style zone – they are very interesting to me.” Exhibitors and buyers’ appreciation reaffirmed the fair’s worldwide reputation as the leading one-stop business platform for international buyers and exhibitors to connect and build business.

Raising brand profile
For brands, high recognition is vital. At the Hong Kong Optical Fair this is provided by Brand Name Gallery, prominently located and beautifully decorated showcase for renowned brands. The combined power of brands has lifted Brand Name Gallery to a major highlight of the fair in just three short years.

With eyewear now playing such a big role in fashion, the Gallery is growing fast. It was the showcase of choice for 158 brands from 18 countries and regions in 2011. This year, Brand Name Gallery will feature well known brands including FYSH from Canada, Guy Laroche, Xenith from France, K2, AZUOO from Hong Kong, Tumi, Converse from USA and TD Tom Davies from UK. To further display the great designs, a number of the exciting Brand Name Gallery Eyewear Parade will also be staged during the fair.

Easy targets
The fair is organised into product-specific zones covering fashion frames, spectacle lenses, sunglasses, safety and sports eyewear, other specialist eyewear, contact lens, spectacle cases and holders, packaging materials, optometric instruments and machinery. Two featured zones are added to the line up, they are Diagnostic Instruments Zone and Eyewear Accessories, set up respectively to accommodate the prevailing demands for related products and eyewear.

Inside track
The iconic aspects of the fair also include the 10th Hong Kong Optometric Conference held concurrently with the fair where optical industry experts come together to share intelligence and insights in “New Frontiers of Ophthalmic Dispensing”, the theme of the conference, and the 14th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition in which emerging talent surprises and delights with new eyewear creations under the theme “Timeless” Winning entries will be on display at the fairground, giving designers exposure to international industry insiders.

Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkopticalfair/