Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses For Washington Veterans, Service Members & Families
The VFW Department of Washington is participating in a nationwide program providing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses at no cost to approved applicants with qualifying vision loss. Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, may apply if they meet the applicable vision requirements.
Washington Applications Are Now Open
Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, may submit a Washington application if they meet the applicable vision requirements.
Current program eligibility
Veterans, service members, and dependents may apply
Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, are eligible to apply when they meet the applicable vision requirements. Applications remain subject to review and availability.
VFW Department of Washington
Bringing this program to Washington veterans, service members, and families
Meta has selected several organizations to help place this technology into the hands of eligible people with significant vision loss across the country.
The VFW Foundation is one of those organizations and will receive 20,000 pairs of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses for distribution through participating VFW Departments.
Here in Washington, applications are now open. The Department will review applications to identify eligible recipients and coordinate distribution of Washington's available glasses.
The Department will coordinate Washington's participation.
Washington applications are now open. Use the official application link on this page to apply. Distribution information and program updates will continue to be published here as they become available.
Veterans Nationally
Meta says more than 130,000 American veterans are legally blind and may be eligible through the national initiative.
Through the VFW
The Department reports that the VFW Foundation will receive 20,000 pairs for participating Departments. Washington’s allocation has not been announced.
Cost to Recipients
Approved recipients receive their glasses at no cost, subject to eligibility and availability.
Technology for Independence
Designed to assist with everyday tasks
Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses can provide another tool for accessing information that might otherwise be difficult for someone experiencing significant vision loss.
Read Text and Documents
Use voice commands to assist with reading printed text and documents.
Identify Objects
Use camera and AI capabilities to help identify and describe objects.
Manage Phone Calls
Answer and manage phone calls using hands-free controls.
Support Daily Activities
Voice-enabled assistance can help recipients complete common daily tasks.
Washington Applicant Eligibility
Who may be eligible?
Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, may apply if they meet the program requirements for legal blindness or significant low vision. Approval is subject to review and availability.
Vision Eligibility
Applicants must meet program criteria for legal blindness or low vision.
Legal Blindness
Best-corrected central visual acuity of 20/200 or less, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
Low Vision
Significant, uncorrectable vision loss affecting safety, independence, or the ability to perform daily activities.
Veterans & Service Members
Veterans and active-duty service members may apply when they meet the applicable vision requirements.
Dependents & Family
Dependents, including spouses and children, may apply when they meet the applicable vision requirements.
Do I have to be a VFW member?
The Washington application does not list VFW membership as a requirement. The separate BVA route has its own membership process. Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, may apply if they meet the vision criteria; applications remain subject to review and availability.
Preparing to Apply
Vision eligibility may need to be verified
Applicants may be expected to provide verification of their visual impairment during the eligibility process.
Optometrist
A licensed optometrist may verify qualifying visual impairment.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist may provide verification.
VIST Coordinator
A VA Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator may provide verification.
BROS
A Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist may also verify eligibility.
Department of Washington Process
How the Washington program will work
Applications are now open. Eligible applicants may submit the official Washington application for review.
Submit Application
Complete the official Washington application using the application link on this page.
Eligibility Verified
Applicants will provide information needed to establish program and vision eligibility.
Department Review
The Department will coordinate review of Washington applicants.
Distribution
Approved recipients will receive instructions regarding availability, distribution, and training.
Washington VFW Posts can help connect eligible applicants to the program.
Local Posts can help share Department program information throughout Washington so veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, know how to apply.
Training & Support
Support continues after recipients receive their glasses
The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) provides training resources for recipients. Its separate national request route currently places new requests on a waitlist; the Washington application linked here is a Department process.
Training Guide
Step-by-step assistance covers voice commands, reading documents, phone functions, object identification, and everyday uses.
Monthly Webinars
BVA and TechSoup host monthly live webinars for questions, training, and troubleshooting.
Washington Distribution
The Department will coordinate distribution opportunities for approved Washington recipients.
Washington Program FAQ
Common questions
Can I apply in Washington now?
Yes. Applications are now open. Use the official Washington application link on this page to apply.
Do I have to be a VFW member?
The Washington application does not list VFW membership as a requirement. BVA has a separate membership and request process.
Can an active-duty service member or dependent qualify?
Yes. Active-duty service members and dependents, including spouses and children, may apply if they meet the applicable vision requirements. Applications are subject to review and availability.
Are the glasses free?
Yes. Glasses are provided at no cost to approved eligible recipients.
How many glasses will Washington receive?
The VFW will receive 20,000 glasses nationally for distribution among Departments. A specific Washington allocation has not yet been announced.
Where will distribution take place?
Washington distribution locations and dates have not yet been announced.
Veterans of Foreign Wars • Department of Washington
Washington Applications Are Now Open
Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents, including spouses and children, may apply for the Washington Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses Program if they meet the applicable vision requirements.
Apply NowWashington applications are reviewed by the Department. Submitting an application does not guarantee a pair. Program participation is subject to eligibility, availability, and applicable VFW Foundation and Meta program requirements.
