Eyewear whizzes see the future and it's great for HK

Adelyn Lau

Smart glasses that allow users to check the weather, find restaurants and read messages hands-free will be showcased at the International Optical Fair from November 6 to 8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Solos AirGo Vision, priced from HK$1,500, functions as a personal assistant.

"With a specialized mobile app, wearers can initiate a casual conversation by pressing the temple arms of the glasses, eliminating the need to touch their phones," said Solos Technology general manager Kenny Cheung Wai-kuen. "The glasses provide weather updates, suggest nearby restaurants and read aloud messages received on the phone through an integrated speaker in the temple arms.

Users can also use the app for instant translations, with the smart specs reading translated words aloud at an adjustable volume for seamless communication.

Kevin Ching Wing-sing, founder and creative director of Big Horn, is bringing his Panda eyewear series, which is a finalist for the US Accessories Council's 2024 Design Excellence Awards and promotes the panda economy.

Jackeline Wu Sui-fen, general manager of Icare Group, introduced bendable eyewear utilizing new patented flexible frame technology that adapts to any shape, size, color or material, making it suitable for both prescription glasses and sunglasses.

"In addition to having applied for 97 patents globally, Reform Eyewear features a bendable design that has also been integrated into military glasses," said Julia Or Cheuk-yan, Icare Group's marketing and communication manager.

She added that the price for a pair ranges from HK$780 to HK$1,560.

With a new plant set to open in France next year, the eyewear manufacturer aims to expand into more global markets, including Belt and Road countries.

Cheung and Ching said the exhibition serves as a platform to connect with global buyers, expressing confidence in the local eyewear market and highlighting the city's no-tax policy as a competitive advantage.

According to the Trade Development Council, Hong Kong was the world's third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames last year.

Its smart eyewear sector has emerged as a focal point, with the global market exceeding HK$40 billion in 2023 and projected to surpass HK$100 billion by 2029.

Following this momentum, the council co-organized the 32nd edition of the fair with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, hosting over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.

Sophia Chong Suk-fan, acting executive director of the council, said: "This exhibition demonstrates Hong Kong's advantages as an international trade and procurement center."