Meta glasses
Meta glasses are smart glasses that use artificial intelligence (AI), audio, and a built-in camera to help with everyday tasks. Some blind and partially sighted people find them useful for getting quick information about their surroundings or reading text, without needing to hold a phone.
This page explains what Meta glasses can do, how they are being used, and some important things to consider before trying them.
What Meta glasses can help with
Meta glasses use voice commands and a camera to understand what is in front of you and respond out loud. You interact with them by saying “Hey Meta”.
Some of the ways people use Meta glasses include:
Visual description
You can ask what is in front of you, and the glasses will describe the scene or objects they can see.
Reading text aloud
They can read printed text such as letters, labels, menus or signs. This can be useful for short pieces of text when you want hands-free access.
Identifying objects
Some people use them to help locate or identify items on a table or in a room, such as finding keys or checking what an object is.
Understanding what you’re seeing
The AI can summarise or explain what it sees, for example giving an overview of a document or describing what is happening in a scene.
Hands-free use
Voice commands allow you to take photos, make calls, send messages, or ask questions without needing to touch your phone.
Using Meta glasses with Be My Eyes
Meta glasses can also be used with the Be My Eyes app. This allows you to connect to a sighted volunteer for real-time, hands-free help.
Some people find this particularly useful for tasks where AI descriptions may not be enough, or when they want a human perspective.
Things to be aware of
Meta glasses are not suitable for everyone, and there are some important limitations to understand.
Not a mobility aid
They are not designed for navigation and should not replace mobility aids such as a white cane or guide dog.
AI is not perfect
The descriptions are generated by AI and can sometimes be inaccurate or unclear, especially in busy or complex environments.
Requires a smartphone
Meta glasses need to be paired with a smartphone and require a data connection to work.
Mainstream technology
They are not designed specifically for blind and partially sighted people. Accessibility is a benefit, but not the primary purpose of the product.
Because of this, Meta glasses tend to work best as a task-specific tool, rather than something to rely on for everything.
Prescription lenses
Meta glasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, which means some people use them as their everyday glasses as well as a smart device. This can make them more convenient, as you do not need to switch between different pairs of glasses.
Prescription lenses are an additional cost and are arranged separately, so the overall price can be significantly higher. This is something to consider when deciding whether Meta glasses are likely to be useful for you.
Is this something to explore?
Some people enjoy the convenience of quick, hands-free access to information. Others prefer using their phone or different tools instead. There is no right or wrong approach.
If you are curious about Meta glasses and want to understand how they work in practice, digital support is available.
Our Digital Skills Advisors can talk through what Meta glasses can do, discuss how others are using them, and help you decide whether they might be useful for you. Support is available at hubs and through one-to-one appointments.
If you would like to talk about Meta glasses or explore other technology options, please contact us to find out what support is available.