TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind in Tyler is working to give away AI-powered smart glasses to eligible veterans across the region.
The organization is teaming with Meta, the Blinded Veterans Association and CampV to provide the glasses for blind and visually impaired veterans.
“Essentially, they are a wearable AI device,” East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Vice President Alicia Lansford said, noting the glasses connect to a device like a phone. “What the meta glasses do is it empowers somebody who’s blind or visually impaired to not even have to really pull their phone out.”
The wearer can then ask the meta glasses questions about their surroundings.
“I could ask what you look like. I could ask what’s in this room? I could ask it to scour a website for something. I could ask it to read a menu,” Lansford described.
“What they really do is just they take that camera, whether it’s a photo or whether it’s a video, and they just describe it to the person and they’re not really even built for people that are blind or visually impaired, it’s just really become a great avenue for them as a technology and AI really improves.”
CampV will act as the validator to those who qualify to receive a pair, but anyone with any level of vision loss can apply. Applicants are asked to provide their DD 214 or a valid VA medical card.
Mark Shaw, the community engagement manager for CampV, gave his own approval.
“I just want to say they’re comfortable. You know, they’re stylish, right? I mean, they come with a neutral color. They blend with my shirt. What can I say?”
Veterans with any level of visual impairment or blindness can qualify even if it is not related to their service.
“I need everybody to know service-related is not a requirement on this one. If it’s any veteran out there, you need to please get them in touch with us so they can get a free pair of glasses so they can get a better quality of life,” Shaw said.
The giveaway will take place Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. In order to receive a pair, you must first fill out an application found here. Those who qualify will later receive a call with more information.
“Meta is actually going to be there themselves. And veterans will stay as long as they need to to get their comfort. We don’t want it to be technology that goes home and sits on the shelf,” Lansford said.
For those with questions or concerns about the glasses, Lansford said a demo pair is available at the lighthouse store to try on.
“I would say always be curious, right. We are absolutely open for those conversations,” Lansford said. “If somebody wants to swing by one day and they want to look and feel in touch before they commit to the application, that is perfectly fine.”
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