Convertibles Eyewear is an Australian-owned brand that combines intelligent design with cutting-edge technology, contemporary styling, wearer comfort, and ultraviolet protection – plus the convenience of an optical frame that converts to sunglasses in an instant.
John Nicola is no stranger to eyewear. The founder of Optique Line, he’s been designing frames for well over three decades and supplying them exclusively to independent optometry practices.
John introduced Convertibles Eyewear to Australia and New Zealand in 1998, having identified a gap in the market and a consumer desire for convenience.
“Convertibles Eyewear eliminates the need to carry two separate pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses,” explained John. “It pairs stylish, everyday optical frames with a seamless, magnetically integrated polarised clip-on that transforms the spectacles into premium UV-protective sunglasses.”
Convertibles Eyewear eliminates the need to carry two separate pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses
The brand had been developed as a collaboration between Japanese and Taiwanese eyewear manufacturers, and successfully launched in the United States and Canada.
But it had never been seen on local shores.
So, in an effort to generate instant awareness among consumers, Optique Line launched Convertibles with a major television campaign, supported by billboards and window displays throughout Australia and New Zealand. The strategy – to create demand from consumers rather than to expect eye care professionals to recommend the product – worked.
He said the brand had achieved consistent growth and market presence in Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years.
“Back then, we developed it as a flagship market leader in magnetic clip-on eyewear, and still today, it really sets the standard for contemporary, functional eyewear,” he said. And that’s the key to the brand’s ongoing success.
When designing new ranges for Convertibles Eyewear, John looks to contemporary global fashion trends with “the primary goal being to find the intersection where timeless frame shapes meet modern, sleek, practical utility”.
The iconic aesthetic of Convertibles Eyewear is best defined by the ultra-lightweight Convertibles Titanium and memory-alloy frames, which are engineered to perfectly hide the high-powered magnetic attachment mechanism, making the transition between regular glasses and sunglasses completely discreet.
New to the collection is Convertibles Lite, which John said delivers “meaningful improvements”.
“Convertibles Lite introduces a new era of sophisticated eyewear. It features a completely re-engineered front-loading clip-on system and updated frame front. The result is a significantly lighter, sleeker, and minimal profile that sits cleaner on the frame.”
He said the clip itself “has been engineered to fit a plus lens… So you can get a super fashionable look”, and the sunglass front slides into a pouch that’s “so small it slides into your top pocket”.
Despite being light in weight and sleek in design, the robust quality and affordable price make Convertibles Eyewear an ideal choice for adventurers and long-haul drivers seeking freedom and versatility in prescription eyewear. And while John admits demand for clip-on eyewear will never be enormous, he said, “there’s always going to be a market for people who want something practical and functional and super cost-effective, because we’re talking about not having to have two pairs of frames”.
A One-Stop Shop
Convertibles Eyewear is not the only brand in Optique Line’s stable. The company is also the exclusive local distributor of the German optical brand Stepper Eyewear, designed by optician Hans Stepper, who mastered three-dimensional facial fitting for superior comfort and fit more than 50 years ago.
Optique Line also distributes Auraflex Eyewear, a high-end range crafted from advanced memory titanium. Its broader portfolio includes the colourful, internationally-inspired Aiko range; Milo and Me for active kids aged 0 to 15; and JustMilo for teenagers and young adults.
And the offering doesn’t end with frames. In 2024, Optique Line acquired McCann Optical Parts – a dedicated supplier of workshop tools, equipment, parts, and optical accessories – to support the everyday needs of optical practices. The company also distributes custom-designed frame cases and optical accessories.
Most recently, Optique Line partnered with Stepper Vision Care to offer frame and lens packages.
Lenses available within the Stepper Vision Care range include single-vision through to complex high prescriptions, with advanced anti-reflective coatings and polarised and Transitions finishes.
An artificial intelligence-powered virtual reality headset is available for use in practice to heatmap each patient’s visual behaviour, allowing for individualised lens design and maximum visual comfort.
With Stepper frame traces held on site at Stepper Vision Care’s fully automated Sydney lens laboratory, turnaround is 48 hours for frames fitted with single-vision lenses and within two weeks for progressive lenses.
For John, being able to offer frames and lenses, accessories, and tools is part of his ambition to help independent optometrists succeed in a highly competitive market.
“With our various products, styling, and price points, we are able to provide a one-stop solution that helps practices plan and manage inventory and supports better cash flow control.”
Visit: optiqueline.com.au.
