A method of changing a functionality of an optical article is provided. The method includes exposing the optical article to an external stimulus. The optical article includes an electrically responsive layer being configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to the external stimulus. The electrically responsive layer is configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an external stimulus, and is capable of irreversibly transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality. The electrically responsive layer includes an ion-conducting polymeric material, an electrically responsive material dispersed in the ion-conducting polymeric material, an electrolyte and at least one pair electrodes in electrical communication with the electrically responsive layer, wherein the electrodes are in electrical communication with the same surface of the electrically responsive layer. Also provided is an activation system for transforming an optical article from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality.