A retention device for eyeglasses includes a swingable clip lever pivoted essentially on the same pivot with one of the temples of the eyeglasses. A mechanical linkage causes the clip lever to lie closely alongside the temple when the temple is fully closed and when the temple is fully opened, but to swing away from the temple in intermediate positions, thus enabling the clip to be engaged over an edge of clothing or other material to retain the eyeglasses in place when not being worn by a person. Preferably an over-center device is included to firmly retain the temple in the closed position until deliberately opened.