Abstract: A photochromic multilayer laminate with excellent darkening and fade-back speed and an eyewear lens incorporating the laminate are described. The laminate comprises at least three layers of polyvinyl alcohol, in which the third layer, comprising polyvinyl alcohol and one or more photochromic materials, is positioned between the surfaces of the two other polyvinyl alcohol layers. In one embodiment, the laminate is free of polarizer components and polarizing coatings. In other embodiments, the photochromic materials in the third layer have a form selected from the group including nanodroplets, photochromic nanoparticles and encapsulated forms with a capsule size between about 20 and 500 nm. The laminate and the eyewear lens may have additional layers, elements and additives.