HK Optical Fair 2025 – MGAM Highlights – MyGlassesAndMe

Returning to Hong Kong: A Unique Eyewear Experience

I was really excited to be invited back to the HK Optical Fair 2025, it is always a pleasure to attend and not something I take for granted. It is always a treat to check out all the different Asian eyewear brands that I can’t find at the European shows, since not all of them make it over there to exhibit. But I have to say, I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t see any Australian brands this year. I remember spotting some in the past, and there were also fewer Korean and Taiwanese brands than usual. On another note, for the first time I did come across a Singaporean brand called Levea and they also manufacture their own eyewear. Which is pretty cool and not something you see every day! I had a great time chatting with them.

Smart Eyewear Takes Centre Stage

This year’s show had a surge in smart eyewear, which really dominated the event. Numerous brands showcased their innovative designs, while tech companies showed off their manufacturing capabilities in the smart eyewear arena. I took the opportunity to try on as many pairs as I could, and I was impressed by their exceptional sound quality and a pretty seamless language translation system. Many of these translation systems can handle between 129 – 149 languages, a feature that proved invaluable during the show, especially for exhibitors who may not be fluent in English or able to speak Cantonese and Mandarin.

Celebrating Craftsmanship: Japanese and Korean Highlights

Japanese and Korean eyewear brands consistently showcase exceptional quality frames, and I was particularly taken with a Japanese brand called Ptolemy. The craftsmanship is exquisite, with each frame handcrafted and created by skilled artisans. This dedication to quality results in a limited production of only around 100 pieces per style, and the collection consist of only three styles. The frames were beautiful and I was blown away by them.

Material Trends: The Rise of Flexible Plastics

At HK Optical Fair 2025, I noticed that there weren’t prominent eyewear trends as such, but there was a strong focus on frame materials and that is what I called a material trend. I saw many different types of flexible plastics that can bend in half and return to their original shape. Some were so soft and flexible that it felt a bit like a wobbly jelly, which I know may sound strange. Brands like Valentino Rudy, O4i, and Reform were offering various types of bendable plastic.

Innovative Designs: Spotlight on BALANCER

I also came across an interesting design at the show from a Japanese brand BALANCER. They have cleverly crafted an ultra-light frame that is anchored by a tiny weight at the very tip of the temple, ensuring it stays securely on the wearer’s head. This concept is brilliant, I thought, particularly for lighter prescription lenses. However, I can imagine the potential issues with weight distribution if the wearer needed heavier prescription lenses, it may off balance the frame.

Shifting Focus: The Silver Market

Last year, there was significant focus on myopia management in children; however, during HK Optical 2025, the spotlight has been shifted to the silver market – consumers aged 60 and over. There were at least three seminars dedicated to this demographic, and I had the opportunity to attend two of them. Both provided useful insights into the unique needs of this age group and introduced emerging technologies. Innovations such as smart technology are being developed to assist these patients in detecting eye health issues and correcting their vision using methods that are easier than traditional approaches.

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead

In summary, the HK Optical Fair 2025 offered a glimpse into the evolving priorities of the eyewear industry, where smart technology, material innovation, and a growing emphasis on the silver market are shaping what is coming in the near future. While I missed seeing some of the brands from Australia and noticed fewer Korean and Taiwanese exhibitors, the chance to discover new players like Levea from Singapore and to once again witness first-hand the craftsmanship of Japanese brands really was a treat of this trip.

What really stood out this year was the practical application of technology not just as a novelty, but as a genuine solution for both industry professionals and end-users, from language translation in smart eyewear at the show to health-focused smart eyewear for older adults. As always, the HK Optical Fair continues to be a vibrant meeting hub in Asia for ideas, trends, and connections. I’m already looking forward to seeing how these developments will influence the global eyewear scene in the year ahead.

I’m excited for the HKOptical Fair 2026. I hope to be invited back next year, as I was unwell during my three days at the show but I managed to get through it. Thanks to the HKTDC team for their hospitality. It’s always a pleasure and an honor to be invited back, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you!