2025-08-20T09:30:26Z

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Imagine losing your sight and feeling the heavy weight of dependency crushing your spirit. Now picture reclaiming your independence through groundbreaking technology. That’s exactly what happened to Andy Evans, a 57-year-old man from Somerset, UK, who has turned his life around with the help of AI-powered glasses. Once confined by his blindness, Evans has not only regained his confidence but has also found new purpose in helping others.

Living in Larkhall near Bath, Evans faced a daunting challenge when his vision began to deteriorate. This worsening condition led him to leave his job at Morrisons supermarket, where he worked night shifts. Eventually, he was registered blind, and the world seemed to close in around him. But thanks to the innovative smart glasses designed by Meta, Evans is now seeing his life in a whole new light.

These glasses may look like a fashionable pair of Ray-Bans, but they pack a punch with a small camera embedded in the frame and tiny speakers hidden in the arms. They’re voice-activated, enabling users to ask their built-in AI to describe their surroundings or assist with daily chores. For Evans, this technology has been nothing short of life-altering. “I was really stuck doing a lot of things,” he shared during a heartfelt interview with BBC Radio Bristol. “With these glasses, you can ask them to look and tell you what’s going on around you. It’s life-changing technology.”

Thanks to this remarkable invention, Evans has returned to the workforce, now lending a hand at the charity Sight Support West of England. Here, he uses his experience to help others navigate the challenges of sight loss. “It’s not just about being able to work again; it’s about improving my quality of life,” he explains. Simple tasks, like ordering food at a restaurant or detecting obstacles while walking, have become enjoyable and manageable once more.

Adding a delightful twist to his daily interactions, the glasses allow Evans to choose from celebrity voice options, including the iconic Dame Judi Dench. Imagine being called “James Bond” or “007” every time you ask your smart glasses for help!

The impact of this technology hasn’t gone unnoticed. Robin Spinks, head of inclusive design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), lauded the glasses for their practical application in the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals. “These glasses are an example of technology making a real tangible impact,” Spinks stated, acknowledging that he too benefits from similar technology in his own life.

He emphasized that the market for smart glasses is still in its infancy, but the potential is limitless. “AI is advancing rapidly,” he noted, and as it does, we can expect even more innovative solutions for those with visual impairments. For Evans, the future is no longer daunting but filled with hope and possibilities. “I now have a much better quality of life,” he expressed, reflecting on his journey from personal struggle to becoming a beacon of support for others.