• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-47
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• 2006

Korean eyeglasses export has continuously decreased at the annual average rate of 10% since year 2000. On the other hand, China - the number 1 competing country - is chasing after Korea while accomplishing average 20% of export increase per annum after year 2000. Considering these factors, main cause of stagnation in domestic eyeglasses industry can be seen as China's pursuit propelled by their low labor costs as well as investment on Research &Development. Other important causes are insufficient investment on R &D, decrease in competitiveness due to increase of import, deficiency of exploitative ability on own brand and own design, lack of infrastructure in eyeglasses expo, and etc.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2007

Most of eyeglasses manufacturers in Korea consist of relatively small-sized enterprises with less than 10 employees. In terms of scale, it performs considerably poor compared to other competing nations like Italy and the People's Republic of China. As a result, domestic eyeglasses industry is facing a difficult position between high-priced products of developed countries and low-priced goods of China, South East Asia, and etc. Considering these factors, the urgent solution for revitalization of domestic eyeglasses industry could be seen as major structural changes in eyeglasses producers. In addition, it is also noted that procurement of competitiveness is an essential scheme to reinvigorate the Korean eyeglasses industry. This objective can be achieved via improvement of ability to develop new designs, exploitation of new material and technology, intensification of own innovative brand and public relations, development of new products such as functional glasses, reduction of sample producing period, provision of administrative support, and designation of special economic zone.