Meta is giving thousands of blind and low-vision veterans a tool designed to make everyday life more independent.
The technology company announced in June that it will donate Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every eligible blind veteran in the United States. More than 130,000 veterans are expected to qualify. Meta, not Ray-Ban, is making the donation; Ray-Ban is the eyewear brand used for the smart glasses.
The glasses resemble traditional Ray-Bans but include a camera, speakers and Meta AI. Using voice commands, a wearer can ask the glasses to read a document, identify an object, describe nearby surroundings or help locate information on a sign or label.
Those tasks may seem routine to a sighted person. For someone living with vision loss, reading mail or recognizing an item on a shelf without asking for help can restore a measure of independence.
The effort was inspired by Don Overton, a U.S. Army veteran who lost his sight after a bunker explosion during Operation Desert Storm. Overton worked with Meta’s wearables team to demonstrate how the glasses could support veterans in daily life.
Meta is working with the Blinded Veterans Association, the American Council of the Blind and other partners to distribute the glasses. The program includes training because receiving the device is only the first step. Veterans can learn the voice commands and practice using features for reading, identifying objects and managing daily tasks.
The Blinded Veterans Association offers monthly webinars and helps connect veterans with in-person distribution and training events. Eligible veterans may request glasses through the association’s website. Veteran organizations also can apply through TechSoup to help distribute the devices.
Applicants should review the current eligibility and technology requirements before applying. The glasses work with the Meta AI app on a compatible smartphone and are intended as an assistive tool, not as a replacement for professional vision rehabilitation or mobility training.
A pair of glasses cannot restore sight. But placed in the right hands, this technology can help a veteran read, identify and navigate with greater confidence.
That is innovation serving those who served – and going above and beyond.
Information: Blinded Veterans Association
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