“Thank you ODMA for another inspiring, well-organised fair. Big thanks to Laura, Shaq, and my fellow panel speakers — what an incredible exchange of ideas!”
– Ryan Ho, Founder of Asia Contacts 1 (AC1)

At this year’s ODMA Fair, Asia Contacts 1 (AC1) was proud to be part of the Trends Panel, where our founder Ryan Ho delivered insights on the future of AI in eyewear — particularly for pediatric myopia control.

As other global brands explore translation tools, audio features, or health tracking in adult smart glasses, LIPO is charting a visionary course: putting AI to work for children’s eye health. Our latest innovation, ASTER, is Australia and New Zealand’s first smart eyewear frame designed specifically to help manage childhood myopia.

Why ASTER Matters: Real AI. Real Impact.

LIPO ASTER was designed from the ground up with input from leading optometrists. It’s more than eyewear — it’s a smart health platform for young wearers, focused on habit-forming, posture-correcting, vision-protecting features.

Key Features:

• AI posture and distance detection
• Smart reminders to reduce screen time or adjust poor reading habits
• Mobile app for optometrist and parent monitoring
• Swiss EMS, non-toxic, and child-safe frame materials
• Modular fit system: adjustable temples, screwless pop-out hinges, and multiple nose pad sizes

ASTER doesn’t distract with flashy gimmicks. It delivers what ECPs and parents truly need: tangible, trackable support in managing myopia progression.

AI Wearables: Why Kids Come First

During the Trends Panel, Ryan Ho addressed a growing divide in smart eyewear:

“While big tech is focused on adult features like bone-conduction or translation, no one has yet addressed the most urgent challenge: myopia in kids. That’s where LIPO and ASTER stand apart.”

This is more than market whitespace,  it’s a movement. With myopia rates skyrocketing among children globally, tools like ASTER could make a real clinical difference. It’s an exciting moment for behavioral and pediatric optometrists to lead change.

From Shanghai to Melbourne: Spotting the Next Wave

ODMA isn’t the only stage where AC1 has had its eye on innovation. Over the past 24 months, Ryan has travelled to optical expos across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Korea, and Singapore, observing two standout trends:

1. Designer Titanium Eyewear — especially with lightweight materials and pastel palettes
2. Adoption of Smart Eyewear — with a shift toward meaningful, health-focused applications

As Ryan put it:

“Like smartwatches, smart glasses are inevitable. But we’re not here to follow trends, we’re here to define them.”

 

Our Focus Remains Clear: Titanium & Myopia Control

From RYAN ADDA’s Japanese titanium collections to LIPO’s AI-driven kids’ eyewear, AC1 continues to support independent optical practices across Australia and New Zealand with future-ready products, ongoing training, and clinical support.

While we’ve previously participated in HKTDC and international fairs, 2025 will mark a strategic shift,  hosting a private showcase for ECPs to get hands-on with new collections and retail innovations.

Want to See ASTER in Action?

We’re inviting a select group of practices to experience ASTER through in-practice trials and demo kits.
[Contact us] to book your spot, or keep an eye on our upcoming ECP showcase event!