AI glasses to help visually impaired ‘see’ through sound; 53 beneficiaries get smart vision devices at AIIMS

NEW DELHI: In a major technology-driven push for disability inclusion, AIIMS on Monday distributed artificial intelligence-powered smart vision glasses to 53 blind and severely visually impaired individuals, enabling them to interpret their surroundings through sound. The AI-enabled glasses convert visual information into spoken feedback. They can read printed text aloud, identify objects, recognise faces, detect obstacles and assist with navigation. Using real-time object recognition and text-to-speech technology, the device helps users manage daily tasks independently — from reading medicine labels to identifying currency notes or locating doorways. The beneficiaries included 28 children from a School for the Blind in Amar Colony and 25 adults identified at the Dr RP Centre, AIIMS, including patients from low-vision and rehabilitation clinics with irreversible blindness. Each device costs around Rs 35,000 but was provided free under Project Drishti, a collaborative initiative supported by Rotary, Vision Aid and other partners. Dr Praveen Vashist from the department of community ophthalmology at AIIMS said the initiative is being implemented in a structured research format. "These glasses are not just assistive devices; they are tools of independence. We will follow up with beneficiaries monthly for a year to assess improvements in quality of life. The findings will be documented and published," he said. The study will also look at barriers to usage and gather feedback to refine future models. India has nearly 10 million people living with blindness or severe visual impairment. While many cases are treatable, a section of patients suffers from irreversible conditions such as advanced glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. For them, rehabilitation — not surgery — becomes the pathway to independence. The glasses, developed by SHG Technologies, are currently in their fifth version. AIIMS had tested earlier models in 2018. "The earlier versions were heavier and used buttons. The newer models are lighter, sensor-based and much more advanced in their AI capabilities," Dr Vashist said. Doctors say AI-based assistive technology complements clinical care by helping people adapt to life after vision loss.