Smart glasses controversy sidelines the benefits for disabled people | Letter

Guardian readers reflect on the ableism rife in the debate about Ray-Ban Meta eyewear, despite the life-changing difference they can make Your editorial on Meta’s smart glasses acknowledges their value to blind and visually impaired people, then asks that this “not be allowed to distract” from the harms ( The Guardian view on Meta’s smart glasses: regulators must get on the front foot, 10 August ).

As an optometrist who owns a small independent practice, I’d suggest that it is visually impaired people who are being treated as the distraction.

I was reluctant to stock Ray‑Ban Meta, having no fondness for Meta or Luxottica, but colleagues persuaded me of the benefits for people with sight impairment.

The reality has surpassed that.

The majority of our buyers have a visual impairment or learning difficulty.

One man, practically illiterate, now has the world read to him.

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