Meta Pledges Free AI Glasses for Blind Veterans

Meta is expanding access to AI-powered smart glasses for blind and visually impaired veterans, including a commitment to provide them to more than 130,000 legally blind veterans nationwide, with hands-on training to help recipients use the technology. In Georgia, the Center for the Visually Impaired distributed glasses to more than 50 veterans, including 70-year-old Dennis Darnes, who uses them with the Be My Eyes app to find items, read signs and navigate stores. Veterans in Memphis also received free glasses and training, while Texas organizations announced plans for a distribution and individualized instruction. The glasses’ cameras and AI can read text, identify objects and describe surroundings, offering practical support for daily activities. In a separate demonstration of the technology’s potential, blind veteran Shawntina Gibson wore Meta AI glasses while completing the Army Ten-Miler with a team sponsored by Meta and Lighthouse Guild.