![\"Dogs](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BN9_dogs_AIglasses2_0502.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nMANATEE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 A new tool is changing how people with vision loss experience their surroundings.<\/p>\n
AI-powered glasses are now being rolled out to graduates of a local guide dog program, helping them gain even more independence.<\/p>\n
Yvonne Guettler and her guide dog Fleury are a strong team. Through Dogs Inc, the two were paired in 2024 with the goal of helping Yvonne navigate daily life.<\/p>\n
She has macular dystrophy, an eye disorder that causes central vision loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything is fairly blurry,” she said. “I can see colors with good contrast. And I can see large things that are not too far away from me. But detail is difficult.”<\/p>\n
Now, she\u2019s adding another layer of support.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey Meta, tell me what\u2019s in front of me,\u201d she says walking and while using AI-powered glasses that describe her surroundings out loud. It helps her better understand what\u2019s around her.<\/p>\n
Dogs Inc is starting to hand the glasses out to graduates. Officials said 15 people are using them so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing with Fleury keeps me safe and gets me where I need to go, but I\u2019ll be able to enjoy the environment more,”\u00a0Guettler said. “I think that they want to read signs and see detail or have it described in detail to me.”<\/p>\n
Dogs Inc received a donation to help buy the glasses. Training workshops started in February.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dogs Inc plans to expand the program, with a goal of outfitting all 400+ of its graduates with AI glasses eventually. (Spectrum News\/Julia Hazel)<\/p>\n
The organization plans to expand, with a goal of outfitting all 400+ of its graduates with glasses eventually.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey give them the ability to just be independent and read their emails, read their mail, read a menu at a restaurant,” she said. “I think independence is key to why they\u2019re so important.”<\/p>\n
The glasses also help her read things that were previously difficult.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited about the independence. Maybe it will give me the ability to do some things, in conjunction with my guide dog, to be a partner with him,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n