In order to be affected by the Eye shield, a unit only has to swing a melee attack at the shield holder. Actually hitting or causing damage is not required.
However, I do think swinging is required. And with the +10 Awe very few units are actually going to take a swing. Thus the Eye shield isn't going to be that useful. Same with the charcoal shield for that matter. You can't be hurt by a fire shield if you don't swing at it.
