Hong Kong is the third largest exporter of spectacles and frames after Italy and the mainland, and the fair is the region's leading optical event.

Now in its 19th edition, this year's fair is expected to welcome more than 600 exhibitors from all over the world. Buyers will see thousands of new-season models from which they can tailor an inventory, catering to their specific market.

The wide range of styles provides fresh inspiration for cutting-edge collections of fashion frames for prescription spectacles and sunglasses with consumer appeal. The fair is divided into five product zones with eight group pavilions. Key highlights include the premium zone, called the Brand Name Gallery, where visitors can check out new season product launches; the ninth Hong Kong Optometric Conference, featuring talks by optometric and neuroscience experts from Canada, Finland, Hong Kong and Singapore; and an eyewear design competition, seminars and regular eyewear parades.

Some of the exhibitors taking part in the Brand Name Gallery, which is making its third appearance, include British brand TD Tom Davies, which will display its second Natural Horn Collection for Autumn 2011, and French brand Lafont, which will feature its full collection of optical frames and sunglasses. This year, the Brand Name Gallery features more than 150 brands from 18 countries and regions.

Accessories such as elegant eyewear holders will also be introduced at the Brand Name Gallery, and elsewhere at the fair.

The eco-friendly and foldable eyewear case collection called Flexfold will be launched in the Eyewear, Frames, Lens & Accessories Zone.

Hong Kong is a world leader in the supply of frames and other optical products. Last year, Hong Kong exported US$1.8 billion worth of such products and, from January to September this year exports had reached US$1.5 billion, exceeding last year's exports for the same period by 10 per cent.

Complementing the wide range of product exhibitions, a programme of seminars offers market information, insights into eyewear fashion trends and updates on technology.

Industry representatives will share market insights in such seminars as Optics Market Outlook 2012 - Insights of Asia, Europe and the US, A Global Eyewear Tour - Looking at the Latest Style and Compliance with International Optical Standards - Latest Updates.

The Hong Kong Optometric Conference has the theme Vision for the Next Generation, and covers optometry from the physiological perspective, and presents research results on DISC Lens for myopia control and raises issues related to myopia in children.

The Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, now in its 13th year, supports young and up-and-coming designers by recognising excellence in creativity and the development of commercial potential. The results were previously announced and the Corporate Group champion designer Cheng Wai-kwong epitomised the Hong Kong industry's creativity with his 'Renaissance' spectacles, which make use of far infrared rays to help wearers recover from fatigue.

The Individual Group Champion, Creativity Award and Made-to-Sell Award winner, Lai Pui-yan, was equally innovative with 'Show Big', which features a magnifying glass look to remind adults of the beauty that surrounds them.

'I hope my work can remind the public to be curious and increase the desire for knowledge and discovery,' she says. All winning and finalist pieces will be on display at the Brand Name Galley Wine Cellar, Hall 1B.

Hong Kong is a favoured destination for exhibitions and fairs, and the Hong Kong Optical Fair is particularly known for its good organisation and easy accessibility.

The fair offers courtesy e-mail centres and a complimentary shuttle bus service to key points in Hong Kong and Kowloon for all participants.

VIP buyers also have the convenience of the Dragon Lounge, with its complimentary internet access, snacks and beverages.

Fair details

Date Today until Saturday

Opening hours

Today, 10am-6.30pm

Friday, 9.30am-6.30pm

Saturday, 9.30am-5pm

Venue Halls 1 and 3B, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai

Organiser Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Co-organiser Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association

Admission Trade only (free). Visitors under 18 will not be admitted.

Inquiries 1830 668