Meta AI Glasses for Sight Loss: FAQs, Setup and Accessibility

A visually impaired person wearing Meta AI Smart Glasses

Meta AI Glasses: FAQs for Blind and Partially Sighted People

Meta AI Glasses are an exciting form of wearable technology that can help blind and partially sighted people access visual information hands-free, using simple voice commands.

This guide answers common questions about Meta AI Glasses, how they work, their accessibility features, and how Galloways can support you to explore whether they’re right for you.

What are Meta AI Glasses?

Meta AI Glasses (Generation 2) are smart glasses with a built-in camera, microphones, open-ear speakers and a voice-activated AI assistant.

They allow users to:

Take hands-free photos and videos
Make and receive calls
Send messages and voice notes
Ask questions and give commands using their voice

For blind and partially sighted people, Meta AI Glasses can be transformative. They provide hands-free access to visual descriptions, reading printed text, and instant access to phone communication apps — all without needing to hold a phone.

Who are Meta AI Glasses useful for?

Meta AI Glasses can support people who:

Are blind or partially sighted
Find it difficult to hold or aim a smartphone camera
Want hands-free access to information
Prefer voice-controlled technology

They can be helpful for everyday tasks such as reading labels, letters and signs, identifying objects, checking colours, and getting real-time help from sighted volunteers using Be My Eyes.

Where can you buy Meta AI Glasses?

Meta AI Glasses are available both online and on the high street. We advise purchasing from one of the local opticians recommended below so you know you have the assurance of aftercare and support where needed.

Local optician

Online

High street retailers

Currys
Argos
Vision Express
Selected local opticians

Styles, frames and sizes available

Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses (Gen 2)

Available in three styles:

Wayfarer – Distinctive trapezoidal frame, wider at the top and tapering down, with a bold, flat front
Headliner – blends classic Wayfarer and round styles into a unique, contemporary look.
Skyler – a chic cat-eye shape, narrow front with gentle curves. Typically designed to suit smaller faces. Lighter than the Wayfarer style.

Wayfarer frames are usually available in Standard and Large, depending on the model and retailer.

Oakley Meta AI Glasses

Available in sportier designs:

Vanguard – wrap-around frame with central camera near the nose bridge.
HSTN – A modern, gender-neutral frame inspired by skate/street culture, with a unique “trigger stem” temple design.

The Vanguard frame allows more central photo and video capture, which some users find helpful.

What lenses are available?

Clear non-prescription lenses (standard)
Sunglasses / tinted lenses
Transitions / photochromic lenses
Prescription lenses (available through Meta, Ray-Ban and many opticians)

If you need specialist options such as anti-glare coatings, high-index lenses or prisms, speak directly with your optician.

How much do Meta AI Glasses cost?

Prices vary depending on:

Frame style
Lens type
Prescription requirements

As a guide, Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses typically cost around £400.
Always check current pricing with Meta, Currys or Vision Express

What do you need for Meta AI Glasses to work?

You will need:

A compatible smartphone (Android or iPhone)
Android 10 or later or iOS 14.4 or later
Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Tip:
Before buying the glasses, download the Meta AI app from the App Store or Google Play. If your phone supports the app, it should work with the glasses.

How to set up Meta AI Glasses (step-by-step)

Unbox the glasses and fully charge them using the supplied charging case
Download the Meta AI app on your phone
Open the app and sign in or create a Meta account
Put the glasses into pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the charging case
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the glasses via Bluetooth
Allow permissions for camera, microphone and notifications
Link communication apps such as Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram or Audible

The app is compatible with VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android).

Turning the glasses on and basic controls

Removing the glasses from the case powers them on
You will hear the battery level announced and a tone when they are ready

Using Meta AI

Say “Hey Meta” followed by a question or command
You can also assign buttons or touch gestures in the Meta AI app

Volume control

Swipe on the touch pad on the right arm of the glasses
Or adjust volume using voice commands or your phone

Changing settings and accessibility options

Within the Meta AI app you can:

Change voice, language and speech rate
Enable accessibility features
Use the app fully with VoiceOver or TalkBack

To change voice or language:
Meta AI app → Settings → Assistant / Voice

Using Meta AI Glasses for visual information

Meta AI Glasses can help you access visual information in several ways:

Scene and object descriptions
Ask Meta to describe what it can see in front of you
Reading text
Read letters, signs, packaging, instructions, posters and appointment letters
Follow-up questions
Ask for specific details such as expiry dates, phone numbers or directions
Colour and pattern checks
Ask about colours, patterns or contrast

All of this can be done hands-free using your voice.

Using Be My Eyes with Meta AI Glasses

Be My Eyes allows you to connect with sighted volunteers for live, spoken help using the glasses’ camera.

How to set it up

Install the Be My Eyes app on your phone
Install and set up the Meta AI app
Link Be My Eyes within the Accessibility section of the Meta AI app

Starting a call

Say “Hey Meta, Be My Eyes”

A volunteer will see the live camera feed and talk you through tasks while you keep both hands free. This is especially useful for complex tasks such as finding items, setting appliances, checking outfits or reading detailed information.

Be My Eyes is an officially supported integration developed in partnership with Meta.

Accessibility setting to enable: More Detailed Descriptions

In the Meta AI app:

Go to Settings → Accessibility
Turn on More Detailed Descriptions

This ensures richer and more detailed descriptions when Meta explains what it can see.

Battery life and charging

Gen 2 models have improved battery life compared to earlier versions
Battery life varies depending on use (photos, video and AI features use more power)
The glasses recharge automatically when placed in the case
The case itself will need charging

You can check battery levels in the app or by saying:
“Hey Meta, what’s my battery level?”

Troubleshooting common issues

Glasses won’t pair

Ensure Bluetooth is on
Make sure the glasses are charged
Restart your phone and the glasses

App not accessible with a screen reader

Update your phone’s operating system
Update the Meta AI app
Contact Meta support if problems continue

Low audio or microphone issues

Check volume levels
Make sure speaker areas are not covered
Test with a phone call

Our experience at Galloways

Galloways has found Meta AI Glasses to be a transformative, accessible and relatively affordable form of wearable technology.

They offer:

Hands-free access
Voice-controlled use
Visual descriptions of surroundings
Quick access to written information
Seamless communication

Here is a link to Andrew, Learning Skills & Lifestyle Manager’s recent use of the Meta Glasses as a visually impaired person on his Facebook page so you can see them in action in real life.