Mr. Cheung founded AOC (Asia Optical Co.) in 1960, when he was a Hong Kong based staff from Shanghai for Hong Kong Optical Co. Ltd. Glasses were still luxury goods back then, with only seventeen stores in total in Hong Kong. Most were located in Hong Kong Island and there were only two in Kowloon (AOC being one of them). At the time most of the customers of AOC are professionals such as lawyers, pilots and bankers, as well as a few tourists. Mr. Cheung is very good at keeping in touch with his clients. When a customer had to leave Hong Kong in a rush, he sent the glasses to him by mail. This could be the starting point of mail order in Hong Kong.

Situated in Tsim Sha Tsui at a time, there are two phases in AOC. The store was on the second floor of ChungKing Mansions first, and then moved to Middle Road. Comes 2008, AOC moved yet again to Aberdeen Street in Central. To maintain its authentic appearance, the original display cupboards were kept. Eyesight test and lens supplying are not available in this store, rather it focuses on sourcing special models, (some with historic values) in a manner that is much like a glasses gallery.

Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Anthony Chan
Update: 20 Jan 2009

ASIA OPTICAL CO.
11B, Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong.
+852 2815 5799