Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta launched a nationwide program offering Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses at no cost to every blind veteran in the United States — more than 130,000 eligible veterans who sacrificed their vision in service.
Don Overton, a US Army veteran who lost his eyesight during Desert Storm from a bunker explosion, inspired the initiative.
“When I lost my eyesight in Desert Storm from a bunker explosion, I also lost my independence. The moment I put on my Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I got my independence back.”
The AI-powered eyewear helps wearers identify objects, read text aloud, and manage everyday tasks through voice commands. Eligible veterans can request their pair through the Blinded Veterans Association website.
Each pair comes with comprehensive training resources. Monthly webinars hosted by the Blinded Veterans Association in partnership with TechSoup provide live question-and-answer sessions. In-person events organized by Meta and partner organizations take place across the country, where veterans receive hands-on guidance and connect with other program participants.
Meta President Dina Powell McCormick said the company worked with Overton and the wearables team to build features specifically for veterans. The initiative represents a collaboration between Meta and veteran service organizations including the Blinded Veterans Association, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, and American Council of the Blind.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta Chief Technology Officer, said: “These veterans sacrificed their sight in service to our country. Giving them technology that can meaningfully navigate the world around them is a profound honor for us.”
Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers Foundation, called the program “far more than a pair of glasses — it’s the ability to read a letter, navigate the world, and reclaim their independence.”
