In Zhejiang Province’s Ouhai District — famously called China’s “Glasses Town” — factories have been making traditional eyewear for decades. However, this year marks a turning point. Thanks to artificial intelligence, local manufacturers are moving from simple eyewear to smart devices that capture global attention.
For instance, Zhejiang Entertech Co., Ltd., a leader in brain-computer interface technology, began developing LookTech smart glasses in 2023. Unlike regular eyewear, these glasses act as a personal assistant you can wear.
With the help of an AI assistant named Memo, users can hear descriptions of what they see, take photos instantly, and even store memories for later recall. As a result, everyday moments can be captured and retrieved effortlessly. “Our goal is to help people relive their experiences more easily,” explained co-founder Tong Luyao. By merging AI with traditional design, Entertech aims to make technology both stylish and practical.
From CES Debut to North American Orders
In January 2025, LookTech glasses made their debut at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. Not surprisingly, the reception was enthusiastic, as visitors were impressed by the seamless blend of fashion and innovation.
Just months later, in July, Entertech secured its first overseas shipment — valued at nine million RMB, or about $1.25 million — bound for North America. This deal represents a major step for Ouhai’s evolution into the global smart wearable market.
To meet the surge in demand, Entertech teamed up with Wenzhou Ouhai Glasses Co., Ltd. Together, they built a 3,000-square-meter smart production facility. It is the first in China’s eyewear industry to combine electronics manufacturing directly with traditional assembly, allowing for faster and more efficient output.
Currently, the plant produces more than 200 pairs of smart glasses each day. Furthermore, with planned upgrades, annual capacity will soon reach 150,000 units.
Export Growth Despite Global Challenges
Despite global trade tensions and tariffs, Ouhai’s eyewear exports have continued to rise. From January to June this year, the district’s foreign trade grew by roughly seven percent. According to local officials, the key lies in combining time-honored craftsmanship with high-tech innovation.
Looking forward, Entertech plans to expand into Japan, Australia, and other markets. Meanwhile, the Wenzhou facility will undergo further expansion to keep up with overseas demand.
Ultimately, Ouhai’s journey from producing traditional eyewear to creating AI-enhanced smart glasses shows that even the most established industries can reinvent themselves. And, with a $1.25 million North American deal already in hand, this transformation is clearly paying off.
