On March 11, 2024, the 22nd China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair (SIOF 2024) opened at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. Supported and guided by the China Light Industry Federation, SIOF has become a globally influential international industry exhibition after over twenty years of development, thanks to the joint efforts of various organizers, co-organizers, and industry colleagues.
With the theme “Advancing the Optics Realm, Gathering New Momentum,” this edition of the exhibition showcased the robust confidence of the Chinese eyewear industry in gathering momentum and breaking new ground. Spanning three days with an exhibition area of 72,000 square meters, the fair attracted 758 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, featuring 334 internationally renowned brands.
The exhibition not only presented the latest developments in the eyewear industry, from technological research and development to upstream production and downstream retail and service systems, but also highlighted innovative achievements in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and green energy. Examples included optical frames made with 3D printing of new materials, eye health checks enhanced by AI, aesthetic designs inspired by traditional cultural treasures, and innovative concepts in eyewear retail terminals, showcasing outstanding achievements from the global eyewear industry.
At 10:00 a.m. on March 11, the opening ceremony was attended by over a hundred guests, including Zhang Chonghe, Party Secretary and President of the China Light Industry Federation, Du Tonghe, Vice President of the China Light Industry Federation and Chairman of the China Optometric Association, and other leaders and representatives from government departments, exhibitors, and eyewear associations.
During his speech, Chairman Du Tonghe expressed optimism about the strong resilience and potential of the Chinese eyewear industry, emphasizing the need to implement the government’s tasks outlined in the 2023 Government Work Report, focusing on innovation, nurturing national brands, optimizing product structure, improving the industrial system, and promoting the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the eyewear industry. The China Optometric Association pledged to fulfill its duty and mission of serving the country, society, people, and enterprises, and to work with industry colleagues to create a new era of high-quality development for the eyewear industry.
To further enhance technological innovation capabilities, promote high-quality industry development, and fulfill social responsibilities, the opening ceremony also honored recipients of the “2023 China Light Industry Federation Science and Technology Awards” and recognized donors to the “Love Your Eyes, Protect Your Eyes: Dunhuang” public welfare campaign.
After the opening ceremony, leaders and guests visited well-known companies such as UII Glasses, Wanxin Group, Doctor Glasses, Carl Zeiss Optics, Haichang Group, EssilorLuxottica Group, Mykita Group, Xiafeinuo Group, and Silhouette Optical, where they learned about product development, innovation, and industry trends.
The exhibition, as the carrier of the industry, and the industry itself are complementary. This edition of the exhibition, meeting the needs of the times, introduced new highlights:
- A new exhibition theme image, the “Tree of Life,” symbolizing vitality and reflecting the industry’s colorful energy.
- Comprehensive coverage of exhibition categories, with 158 international exhibitors showcasing new products across the entire eyewear industry chain.
- Concentrated display of Chinese eyewear cultural elements, including the Eyewear Museum and the “Guangming” Chinese Eyewear Special Train, showcasing the historical development of China’s eyewear industry and the charm of the eight major eyewear production areas in China.
- Exciting concurrent activities, such as the “China Eyewear Brand Building and Innovative Development Forum” and the public-oriented “Science Management of Vision: Let’s Talk About Children and Adolescent Myopia Management,” enhancing interaction and audience participation.
SIOF 2024 served as a review of the achievements of the eyewear industry and a platform for mutual benefit. The exhibition comprehensively showcased the industry’s latest achievements in managing myopia in children and adolescents, managing eye health throughout the life cycle, green development, and intelligent development, playing a significant role in boosting industry confidence and forming new “quality production forces” for the industry.
In 2024, let us all “advance the optics realm and gather new momentum” together!