A hidden gem in Mong Kok, Mei Yick Spectacles certainly stands out from its surrounding. Its shop interior and stock appears to stay in the 1970s, while the rest of the area undergoes rapid changes frequently. Mei Yick Spectacle is simply the go-to place for deadstock glasses.

Founded in 1966, Mei Yick Spectacles is currently run by Mr. Chan, the second generation owner. Old customers call him Peter. Since taking over in 1978, the shop interior and business have been staying the same way, which became the tradition. Peter worked as a clerk in the British army previously, until his father asked him to take over the business. The young owner started by learning lens cutting, frame adjustment and eye test. There used to be a studio at the back of the shop, where all the glasses were made. Their customers were mainly middle age and elderly, which later shifted to a much younger age group. The purely functional item has also become fashionable nowadays. Peter used to attend eye test sessions at VIP clients’ houses, as well as hospitals (for medical staff). Since taking over the business, his main clients are company directors and those working at radio stations. At the time, three hundred Hong Kong dollars was the average monthly salary, when a pair of eye glasses would cost over two hundred dollars. Over two thousand pairs of glasses are stocked in the shop, mostly rare 1960s and 1970s deadstock. Mei Yick also manufactures their own glasses, each pair marked with ‘Made by Mei Yick’.

Peter has his own philosophy about customers. ‘If they don’t make a pleasant first impression, I just keep my distance. I also don’t like those who aren’t beautiful. Beautiful people wear glasses well, they inspire me to make suggestions.’ Once he gets to know a customer, they often become friends. Many old customers visit Peter regularly, regardless of purchases.

Mei Yick Spectacle is cosy, its simple white light and gold trimming around the cabinet ages over time, and generations of inheritance.

Text: iemi | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo: Anthony Chan
Update: 28 Apr 2011

MEI YICK SPECTACLES
No.28 Tung Choi Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
+852 2388 1239