Da Cheong Computer Optical Centre

A Community's Journey

In the streets of Shek Kip Mei, time flows like the bubbles in a glass bottle of Sprite, cast under a thin veil of neon green that glimmers through a pair of giant “glasses”. This is the iconic neon billboard of Da Cheong Computer Optical Centre.

When Mr. Lee took over the business, the shop, Tung Shing Optical Company, was nestled among the seven-storey resettlement blocks of Tai Hang Tung Estate, which were constructed in the 1960s. It thrived for more than 40 years and became known as “Tung Shing,” a name that conveyed aspirations for success within the neighbourhood.

The business was founded in 1963 by Mr. Lee’s father during a time when restaurants and small shops favoured neon signage. Mr. Lee shared that his father designed the very first neon sign, which simply read “Tung Shing,” and originally did not feature any spectacles.​

By 1976, the eyewear business founded by the senior Mr. Lee was flourishing like never before. Customers flocked to his store, drawn not only by the quality of his products but also by his unmatched professionalism and personal attention.

Mr. Lee's dedication transformed the shopping experience into something truly special, creating lasting relationships and a loyal clientele that celebrated both style and service.

In 1978, following the urban redevelopment of Tai Hang Tung Estate, Tung Shing Watch & Optical Company relocated to Nam Shan Estate.

By 1979, the shop had made an exciting leap across the street to the bustling Tai Hang Sai Estate, rebranding itself as the Da Cheong Computer Optical Centre. This strategic move not only enhanced its visibility but also positioned it at the heart of a thriving community, where innovation and style seamlessly intertwined to attract a vibrant clientele.​

As the business thrived, Mr. Lee sensed the perfect opportunity to expand. In 1984, he opened a second shop in the vibrant Shek Kip Mei Estate, marking a bold new chapter in his journey. This location boasted the company’s very first neon-lit signboard, casting a colourful glow that drew in curious customers. He named it Da Da Computer Optical Company, and it quickly became a beacon for eyewear enthusiasts, showcasing innovation and style in every frame.​

As business grew, Lee Wai Sum, the son of the original owner Mr. Lee, realized that new and specialized skills were needed to give the business its edge. “I knew we had to adapt,” stated the younger Mr. Lee, who has continued on in the business for over forty years.​

Mr. Lee Junior, was destined to take over the family business, having been raised in the eyewear industry that his father built.​ ​

The new shop was named Da Cheong and glasses were then seen as a symbol of the estate‘s prosperity — what people referred to as ‘Cheong Ming’. Inspired by that, M. Lee’s father chose the name ‘Da Cheong’. The lease was secured through bidding at a high price of HKD188,000 – enough to buy half a flat at that time. However, Mr. Lee had loyal customers, the economy was strong, and many shops competed for this spot, so the bid had to be high.​

And so by the 1970’s, Mr. Lee had begun honing his craft under the watchful eye of his father, starting with lens grinding. Each pair of glasses was meticulously handcrafted, tailored to the needs of each customer. “People didn’t wear glasses much back then, given the low living standards. Many didn’t even realize they were near-sighted until it became a significant issue,” he explains.​

In those days, many people with mild myopia were either unaware they needed corrective lenses or simply didn’t care, often managing to get by with barely adequate vision, resulting in a low rate of corrective eyewear adoption. But around 1978, as the economy began to take off, fashion became a priority and people started choosing stylish frames and even those with only a very mild prescription wanted to wear glasses just for the look.​

Business in those days was good especially during the busy season of the Chinese new year, “Everyone wanted new clothes, shoes, and glasses for the New Year. ” reflected Mr. Lee Wai Sum.

“I’ve watched customers grow from children getting their first pairs of glasses to parents bringing in their own kids,” he recalls, nostalgia evident in his voice. Business was starting to flourish but to truly put it on the map and attract new customers, Mr. Lee and his father recognized the need for a vibrant new neon sign. They set out to design an eye-catching piece that would not only brighten the storefront but also spark excitement and intrigue among passersby, capturing the spirit of the community.

Inside the shops modest space, time appears to stand still. The familiar eye-testing machines sit patiently in their places, echoes of the past lingering in the air. Boxes filled with 144 different trial lenses—designed for astigmatism, near-sightedness, and far-sightedness—await customers, just as they did 40 years ago. It's as if the world outside has moved on, but within these walls, the essence of decades past remains alive, ready to serve a new generation.​

GIANT SPECTACLES: DESIGNING A CLASSIC NEON SIGN

By the late ‘70’s, eyewear had evolved into a fashion statement. Fueled by the bold styles of Hong Kong pop stars, spectacles became a rising trend. Seizing this moment, the Lee father-son duo set out to create a grand pair of “spectacles” that would capture the public’s imagination as their next neon signage. And so, after much research, Mr. Lee and his father settled on the iconic Ray-Ban design as their template. It proved to be a fortuitous choice.​ ​ ​

After countless days and nights of dedicated toil, the dazzling billboard emerged as a timeless masterpiece in the industry. The oversized frames became home to the shop’s name, rendered in a contemporary font with festive colours, flanked by characters advertising the then-popular services of “contact lenses” and “computerized eye exams.” It became a local landmark in a neighbourhood where neon signs were a rarity. Shaped like the iconic Ray-Ban design, it represented a groundbreaking achievement for the neon master. ​ “I remember it vividly,” Mr. Lee recalls, pride unmistakable in his voice.​​

Da Cheong with it gained recognition for its two large neon signs shaped like spectacles, which were positioned above the entrance. Each night, the glowing tubes lit up like a pair of eyes, watching over the flourishing local community and establishing itself as a landmark in Shek Kip Mei.

It hung for an astonishing 45 years, visible as you turned from Shek Kip Mei’s Woh Chai Street onto Tai Hang Tung Road. The sign featured two neon spectacles from Da Cheong Computer Optical Centre — one facing Woh Chai Street and the other Tai Hang Tung Road. At night, the neon tubes came alive, with blue outlining the edges of the signs, green forming the frames of the spectacles and red encircling the characters for "Da Cheong," shining brilliantly against the darkness.​

Mr. Lee, enveloped in the glow of neon, lifts his polishing cloth with unwavering determination. For 45 years, he has meticulously cleaned each pair of spectacles, his hands moving with the precision of a seasoned artisan. Each stroke is a testament to his devotion, echoing the passage of time and the countless stories held within the lenses he tends to.​

After four decades, Tai Hang Sai Estate was slated for redevelopment, and again businesses in the area were required to vacate at short notice. The “four-eyed” sign was destined to be removed yet again. Marking a farewell not only for its residents but also for the shops housed within.  

As the countdown for demolition began, Tai Hang Sai Estate, the last surviving privately run low-rent housing estate, bid farewell to years of hard work and daily interactions with neighbours, leaving behind endless sighs and nostalgia. Da Cheong was once again swept along by the currents of change and the neon spectacles were taken down, leaving a large imprint on the wall and in the hearts of the community.

Mr. Lee watched the sign he had painstakingly designed being dismantled. He implored the reporter to capture photos for him to treasure. Having devoted most of his life to his shop, leaving the shop as well as losing the sign, felt like an unbearable loss. “I dread losing this image forever,” he admitted, his voice tinged with sorrow. “Sometimes, circumstances feel utterly helpless; acceptance is the only path forward.”

When the neon tubes were removed, leaving only a bare baseboard with the sign's lettering, “Neighbours inquired about our new location and expressed concern that it might be too far, making it difficult for them to repair their glasses.” Mr. Lee shared his reluctance to leave the shop, but expressed his hope to one day return to Tai Hang Sai Estate to resume business, hoping the now-famous pair of eyes might "regain their shine."

Mr. Lee had yet to secure a new shop space and was uncertain about the future of his optical business, and heartbroken about parting with his neon signs...

Then, Tetra Neon Exchange reached out, offering to help preserve the sign. Recognizing the cultural significance of such neon signs in Hong Kong, Mr. Lee was deeply grateful for TNX's efforts. “It’s fantastic that it’s being kept, and I hope it can be displayed somewhere in the future,” he said. “Organizations like this are rare; they’re not doing it for profit—they’re losing money in the process.”

NEW CHAPTER WITH THE RETURN OF THE GREEN GAZE​

And so, the story of Da Cheong was far from over.

 With the unwavering support of friends, Mr. Lee successfully secured a new shop space in Nam Shan Estate, just a street away from his original location, where he could continue to serve his loyal customers. "Our previous shop was just across the street on Tai Hang Tung Estate, roughly a hundred meters from here," he reflected, considering the journey that brought him to this moment.

Tetra Neon Exchange, having taken custody of the previous shop's neon signs for preservation, played a crucial role in bringing a new sign back to Da Cheong.

TNX contracted the same company that had removed the original sign to create a new glasses-shaped design that perfectly captures the shop's signature style, restoring a total of two neon glasses frame signs to the city's streets.

So once again, a familiar pair of spectacles gaze down at the neighbourhood in Shek Kip Mei. The new billboard is a faithful replica of the beloved old one, a staple of the community. Mr. Lee was thrilled. Da Cheong Computer Optical Centre has now established its new presence in Nam Shan Estate, ready to continue its legacy of serving the local residents and illuminating the vibrant streets once again.

Tetra Neon Exchange (TNX) is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Hong Kong. We specialise in rescuing neon signs from our streets, particularly those targeted for removal due to increased building regulations. We help to dismantle, restore, preserve, and then bring these signs back to life by showcasing them through both small- and large-scale exhibitions.

To further preserve their history and cultural significance, we have documented the sign-removal process through photographs and videos. We have also included stories told by the sign owners, explaining the background of each sign.

We hope you have enjoyed this collection of images.

SIGN REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Every sign removal is a unique challenge, and no two are ever quite the same. We approach each case with careful attention to its distinct factors, from the different parties involved to the sign’s location, its condition, and the time constraints. This tailored approach ensures that every removal is handled smoothly, efficiently, and with the precision it deserves.​

1. Engage with the Business:​
We begin by approaching the concerned business to confirm if they are willing to donate the neon sign to TNX.​

2. Quotation Support:​
Upon agreement, we assist the business in obtaining a removal quotation from a local contractor. Costs typically vary based on factors such as the sign’s size, its position on the building, the need for scaffolding, and whether the removal must occur outside regular working hours.​

3. Sign Removal Day:​
On the scheduled day, the contractor carefully dismantles the sign. The sign may come down as a whole piece or cut into smaller sections for safe removal. In some cases, only the lettering is removed, leaving the metal support structure intact.​

4. Safety Inspection:​
After lowering the sign, the neon master inspects the tubing to determine whether, for safety reasons, they should be detached from the signage.​

5. Documentation:​
If the letters are to be removed, the neon master meticulously records their shape, size, and calligraphy style by creating detailed paper patterns.​

6. Safe Packing:​
The removed neon tubes are carefully packed into ‘beehive’ style containers designed to protect the delicate glass tubes during transport.​

7. Warehouse Storage:​
Finally, the sign components are transported to the TNX warehouse, where they are securely stored in preparation for restoration.​

Acknowledgements

Tetra Neon Exchange Limited extends its gratitude to all the individuals, groups, and organisations who have contributed images to this book. While the contributors are not identified by name, their collective input and involvement are also gratefully acknowledged. We also respect the rights of everyone represented.

A special thank you goes to the owner of the neon signboard, whose generous donation illuminated our project. Your willingness to share your knowledge and stories has added a rich layer of authenticity and inspiration to our work.

To our dedicated editors and translators: Your invaluable insights and meticulous attention to detail have ensured that every page resonates with joy and wonder, creating an immersive experience for our audience.

And to our readers, we are profoundly grateful for your enthusiasm and curiosity. You motivate us to continue crafting stories that spark imagination and foster a love for the vibrant world of neon.

This book stands as a tribute to the vibrant culture and craftsmanship that keep the neon lights shining bright, reminding us of the beauty in our shared experiences. Thank you all for being an essential part of this journey. Your support fuels our passion and creativity!