A Melbourne-based optical industry veteran has launched a dedicated children’s sunglasses brand aimed at bridging the divide between clinical sun protection advice and what practices actually stock on their shelves.
OLIVAH. – named after founder Lisa Lisperguer’s children, Olivia and Hugo – enters the market with a focus on paediatric UV protection, an area Ms Lisperguer believes has long been underserved in optometry practice retail.
With close to 20 years of industry experience spanning Alcon, Australian College of Optometry, and both independent and corporate practices, Ms Lisperguer said she had identified a persistent disconnect between what clinicians recommend and what patients can access in-practice. Research from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) indicates that up to 80% of children show signs of UV damage by the age of 151 – a statistic Ms Lisperguer describes as the catalyst for launching the brand.
Children’s sun protection isn’t always a consistent focus in clinical conversations and is often underrepresented in practice retail
“Children’s sun protection isn’t always a consistent focus in clinical conversations and is often underrepresented in practice retail,” she said.
The brand has been developed through both a clinical and parental lens, with optical dispensing principles informing decisions around fit, comfort, and wearability. The range features polarised lenses with 100% UV protection, lightweight and durable frames suited to active children, and contemporary designs intended to appeal to both kids and their parents.
For practices already engaged in myopia management and preventative care conversations, Ms Lisperguer sees OLIVAH. as a natural extension of those discussions.
“While optometrists continue to educate families on the importance of outdoor time for myopia management and long-term eye health, sunglasses for children are still frequently treated as optional, rather than essential,” she said.
Visit: olivah.com.au or contact lisa@olivah.com.au.
Reference
- RANZCO. Protect children’s eyes from sun damage – doctors warn, media release. Available at: ranzco.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Media-Release-Protect-childrens-eyes-from-sun-damage-2025.pdf [accessed May 2026].
