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All Eyes on You: Optical and Eyewear Trends 2025

Phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions. In a constantly revolving digital world, our eyes have become habitually stuck to digital screens. This, along with decreased outdoor activities, has led to a significant rise in the demand for prescription eyewear. According to The World Economic Forum’s predictions, approximately 50% of the world’s population is expected to be short-sighted by 2050!

Apart from the growing number of consumers requiring corrective lenses, eyewear has also become a fashion statement for many. Today, regardless of whether prescription glasses are needed, many individuals possess multiple eyewear to complement their different styles and outfits – serving as both a practical and fashionable accessory. These changes translated to an increased demand for eyewear, resulting in a market value of US$170.98 billion in 2024 and a forecasted CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032.

Nowadays, eyewear is not only functional but also acts as a fashion statement.

Who says you can’t be chic while seeing better? With multiple designer-brand fashion shows and celebrities sporting glasses as part of their outfits, the old-school ‘uncool’ stigmatisation of eyewear is no longer true and has, instead, transformed into a display of fashion.

Fashion experts shared their thoughts with Glamour and Vogue and believed that cat-eye frames’ sleek elegance, oversized rims’ grandeur, coloured eyewear‘s energetic vibrance, and retro frames’ reminiscent charms have all made it to the fashion watchlist of 2025.

Learn More:

8 Eyewear & Optical Product Recommendations This Summer

2. The Tech Revolution – Smart Eyewear

With many mega tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta developing smart glasses in recent years, it is no surprise that technology is heavily reshaping the eyewear industry to meet the demands of tech-savvy consumers. Within the optical market, smart eyewear is forecasted to be one of the fastest-growing goods, reaching a CAGR of a whopping 53% up to 2030.

Apart from augmented reality (AR) features and various functions like navigation, notifications, and health tracking, the latest smart glasses have also included AI functions while focusing on thinner, lighter, and more stylish designs.

Smart Eyewear is one of the fastest-growing trends in the optical industry and is expected to continue strong in the upcoming years!

3. Seeing Green – Sustainable Eyewear

Based on the research of Harvard Business Review, sustainability is one of the key factors influencing a purchase, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. 27% of younger consumers are likelier to buy from a brand that cares about the environment, and the eyewear industry is no exception in going green.

Eyewear brands are increasingly dedicated to creating sustainable eyewear, with low-impact production methods and frames made from recycled plastics, biodegradable materials, and eco-friendly acetates.

4. Protecting Your Vision – Blue-light Blocking Eyewear

Whether working on laptops, relaxing at home watching television, or scrolling on our phones, we spend more time staring at digital screens than ever. While working with technology is inevitable in this day and age, using digital devices results in exposure to blue light – a high-energy, short-wavelength light that may cause eye strain, sleep disruption, and possible retinal damage.

With almost 70% of individuals experiencing eye strain when using digital devices and increased awareness of the importance of eye health, eyewear brands have focused on creating blue light-blocking lenses and anti-reflective coating to reduce screentime-induced complications and alleviate eye strain, appealing to a wide range of health-conscious consumers.

Modern citizens are exposed to harmful blue light, giving rise to protective eyewear in this regard.

5. Finding the Perfect Fit – Customised Eyewear

Finding the perfect eyewear to fit a consumer’s face shape or style may be difficult. But with bespoke eyewear services, individuals can finally say goodbye to the tedious shopping experience and the age-old struggle of finding the perfect fit.

Customised eyewear offers one-of-a-kind designs that belong exclusively to each individual. It allows consumers to find the creation that ticks every box – from designing their preferred shape and colour to selecting specific details on their eyewear – capturing the hearts of consumers who prioritise individuality and self-expression.

Discover the Eyes of the Future!

Are you ready to embrace the future of eyewear? HKTDC’s Hong Kong International Optical Fair is back with an array of eye-catching eyewear from around the world. From frames to lenses, stylish sunglasses to the latest optical technology, this fair is the perfect platform for businesses looking to connect, get inspired, and source trendy eyewear.

The Optical Fair will be held from 6-8 Nov 2024. Secure a spot and register today by clicking on the banner below:

Want to get a head start? Visit our e-marketplace to find optical and eyewear options today:

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