RayBan Meta – AI glasses that can be life changing for the visually impaired.

 RayBan Meta are ‘smart glasses’ created through a collaboration between RayBan, who first made their iconic sunglasses in 1936, and Meta, who are the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The resulting spectacles have AI technology built in. The glasses can capture photos and videos and you can stream live to your social media. They have a voice-controlled AI assistant built in and by saying “Hey Meta” you can ask questions, take photos, get information, control music and much more.

The glasses have “open-ear” speakers and microphones allowing you to listen to music, take calls, or get the AI assistants responses directly without wearing ear buds or headphones – meaning you can still hear your surroundings. Meta runs through a simple app that operates from a smart device. With more developments on the way the possibilities of what these glasses will be able to do are remarkable.

We at Stony Optical were very interested in how this technology can be used by those who are visually impaired. We spoke to one of our long-standing customers John, who is severely sight-impaired and discussed what issues he faced because of this. John said he finds many daily tasks difficult, relying heavily on his wife Eileen to read emails, letters and instructions.

He finds it difficult when Eileen is out and struggles to call her if he needs her because he can’t see well enough to use his phone to call her. And texting is impossible. We discussed the Meta glasses and the potential use for them as an aid to help him with those types of tasks and John was keen to try them.

Ruth, our Dispensing Optician, who is currently studying for her Masters in Low Vision, checked in with John to see how he was getting on with his Meta’s. His face instantly lit up as he explains to Ruth his experience. ”These glasses are incredible, in-fact I’ll go on as far as saying they are actually life-changing. The ‘look-and-read’ technology allows me to live more independently. From reading my prescription labels to narrating audio books, they are super. The app is also easy to use and the artificial technology has given my wife some of her time back.”

John has lost significant amounts of vision in both eyes through suffering with age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Along with thousands of other people living in the UK suffering sight loss, John had been praying for some kind of breakthrough. The clever built in technology, which allows the operator to use them hands free, can really help to reduce the stigma around people living with sight loss.

John finds the ‘Look-and-Read feature’ particularly helpful. “I can look at some text on a letter or email, say “Hey Meta read this.” Then Meta reads out what I am looking at.”  

They work in the same way if you say, “Hey Meta, what am I looking at?” Meta will describe what you are facing. John gave us a great example of how he put his Meta to the test on a shopping trip where he was unsure if the packet of meat he was holding was beef or pork. Asking Meta, “What am I looking at?” confirmed it was indeed beef.

Imagine being severely sight impaired and now, with the use of a pair of spectacles, being able to read out cooking instruction on food packets or what dosage to take on medications. John has been trialling his Meta’s for a few months now and is overwhelmed at the independence they are giving him back. This is vital for anyone living with sight loss or blindness.

Stony Optical are proud to be an official supplier of RayBan Meta. Visit our practice or call 01908 567672 to speak with one of our Dispensing Opticians to find out more.

20-20-20 Rule

It is important to look after your eyes when you use a computer all day.

When you are working at a computer you should follow the 20-20-20 rule.

Every twenty minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

This will relax the eye muscles and reduce eye strain that can be caused by staring at digital screens for a long time without taking frequent breaks.

Symptoms of eye strain can include:

·      Watery eyes

·      Tired or achy eyes

·      Blurred vision

·      Double vision

·      Dry eyes

·      Headaches

·      Eye redness

The 20-20-20 rule is easy to remember and these pointers will help you make it part of your routine.

·      Set an alarm for every 20 minutes whilst you are working to remind you.

·      Look at something at least 20 feet away – judging 20 feet can be a bit difficult

but looking at an object further away than 20 feet works just as well.

Look out of a window and find an object in the distance to look at for 20 seconds.

Blinking is also vital and prolonged computer use can lead to dry eyes as you blink less when you are staring at a screen. Blinking encourages tear production, which helps stop the eyes being too dry.

Remember to take regular breaks not just from looking at the screen but also from sitting in the same position at a desk. Standing up and walking around periodically can help prevent back and neck pains.

Have your eyes checked regularly to make sure that you are wearing the right glasses to help you see the best you can at your screen. There are lenses designed for use on digital devices that might benefit you so ask us about them at your next visit.

It is very important to have an eye examination if you are experiencing any symptoms of eye strain so that we can check your eyes are healthy.

Call 01908 567 672 to book an appointment.

"Our beautiful Mia in her new Tomato glasses"

“No two snowflakes are alike, each is as individual as a human finger print “

Frame selection and fit are significant considerations when dispensing and choosing spectacles. The components of conventional spectacles don’t often meet the complex needs of the young wearer whose features and needs are all different. Conventional spectacles result in a fit that is often less than acceptable and could mean the frame slips down the nose constantly or is uncomfortable to wear. The result could mean frequent appointments back and forth to the Optician to re-fit so that comfort and vision remain constant.

Tomato frames are different. This Award Winning range of frames are colourful, comfortable and lightweight. They have been expertly designed with babies and children in mind. The material is non-toxic and flexible, designed with the practicality of rough and tumble, and specific complex needs in mind. This unique frame has a 3-way bridge fitting of which correctly places the weight on the bridge perfectly, customised temple lengths for security and comfort, and a contouring head strap if required. Tomato frames are individualised, with customised measurements and modifications made at the time of dispensing and glazing to ensure all criteria of fitting and comfort are met and ready when you come to collect. This in turn makes the whole experience of choosing spectacles less of an ordeal and the outcome brighter and more positive.

At Stony Optical there is always a qualified Dispensing Optician available to give advice on frame and lens choice, and to make choosing spectacles easier for both the child and the parents or guardian.

If you would like to make an appointment or would like more information on Tomato Glasses please contact us on 01908 567672..