Meta is gearing up to launch two new models of Ray-Ban smart glasses specifically for prescription wearers, according to a Bloomberg report. These models, known as Scriber and Blazer, were identified in Federal Communications Commission filings and may be available to consumers as soon as next week. They represent a strategic distribution shift rather than new hardware innovation.
Prescription eyewear makes up about 69% of the $223 billion global eyewear market. In 2025, Meta sold over seven million Ray-Ban and Oakley AI frames—a notable achievement in a rapidly emerging product category, but still a minor fraction compared to the 1.5 billion people who use corrective lenses worldwide. The new models indicate Meta’s attempt to transition smart glasses into mainstream optical retail, where the customer base and potential profits are greater.
Scriber and Blazer are non-display AI glasses, much like the current Ray-Ban Meta line, featuring a camera, microphone, speakers, and Meta AI integration—without a screen. Blazer will be available in regular and large sizes, while Scriber seems to be a single-size product. Both models will offer Wi-Fi 6 UNII-4 band support, an update from existing models, and will include charging cases.
The distinction is significant because Meta already offers a display-equipped model. The Ray-Ban Meta Display, introduced at Connect 2025, features a full-color heads-up display, a 12-megapixel camera with 3x zoom, and pairs with a neural wristband for interface navigation, costs $799. Meta’s full augmented reality prototype with holographic displays, named Orion, is still in research with no public launch date planned.
Scriber and Blazer are positioned below these in the product hierarchy. Their goal is to integrate Meta AI into frames that meet existing consumer needs. With prescription lenses already a purchase necessity, the added cost of integrating smart technology becomes minimal. Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the strategic reasoning during a recent earnings call, suggesting that in the future, most eyewear might incorporate AI features.
However, this shift introduces challenges, especially with EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban, Oakley, LensCrafters, and Sunglass Hut. As Meta’s manufacturing partner and significant channel participant, EssilorLuxottica has faced friction with Meta over pricing and strategy issues, though the partnership has been productive.
Prescription smart glasses may alleviate tensions, as prescription lenses offer higher retail prices and margins. The potential shift could benefit EssilorLuxottica financially and expand Meta’s market reach if production scales up as proposed.
Yet, selling in optical retail channels involves complexities, from different customer experiences to legal risks. Solos Technology has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Meta and EssilorLuxottica, demanding hefty damages over alleged patent violations. Despite the growing smart glasses market, skeptics exist. Meta is betting on AI’s benefits, such as answering queries and accessing information seamlessly, to gain consumer interest.
While not the ultimate test of this bet, Scriber and Blazer aim to place Meta’s AI in the hands of new optical customers, moving the company’s strategic goals forward.