EssilorLuxottica, Meta launch $299 smart glasses range

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have launched Meta Glasses, a new line of AI-powered eyewear starting at $299. According to an EssilorLuxottica media release, the collection aims to make “personal superintelligence” accessible to price-sensitive consumers through prescription-ready frames available in rectangle, square, and oval styles.

Why is the $299 price point significant for AI wearables?

The $299 starting price marks a strategic move to lower the barrier to entry for smart eyewear. Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, stated the company wants to provide “attainable innovation” for consumers who are more price-sensitive.

This pricing distinguishes the new Meta Glasses from the broader, more premium portfolio. While the partnership already includes Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, and Meta Ray-Ban Display, this specific collection focuses on broader adoption by targeting a lower cost bracket.

Did you know? The new collection isn’t just for tech enthusiasts. It includes multiple lens choices, including clear, sun, and Transitions lenses, making them functional as standard medical eyewear.

How will prescription integration drive smart glasses adoption?

Integrating AI into prescription frames removes the friction of wearing two separate devices—glasses and a wearable. The release notes that the collection includes three prescription-ready styles designed for “all-day comfort.”

By optimizing for prescriptions, Meta and EssilorLuxottica are positioning these glasses as a primary interface. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, said he believes glasses will become a “main way people access personal superintelligence.”

This shift suggests a trend where AI hardware disappears into existing daily habits. Instead of a new gadget, the AI becomes a feature of a necessary medical device.

Pro Tip: For those who move between indoor and outdoor environments frequently, Transitions lenses in AI glasses can reduce the need to switch frames, ensuring the AI assistant remains active and available throughout the day.

What happens next for the global rollout of AI eyewear?

The glasses are currently available on Meta.com in the US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. They are also stocked at US optical retailers like LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut, according to the company release.

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While Australia is not currently included in the initial launch, EssilorLuxottica confirmed that additional markets and retailers will be added later this year. This phased rollout allows the companies to scale supply chains for both the electronic components and the optical prescriptions.

The expansion indicates a move toward “invisible” tech. By leveraging EssilorLuxottica’s existing retail footprint, Meta can bypass the traditional electronics store and place AI hardware directly in the optometrist’s office.

Comparison: Meta Glasses Portfolio

Product Line	Primary Focus	Target Audience
Meta Glasses	Attainable innovation / Price point	Price-sensitive consumers
Ray-Ban Meta / Oakley Meta	Iconic branding / High performance	Brand loyalists / Early adopters
Meta Ray-Ban Display	Visual interface / Display tech	Power users

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do the new Meta Glasses cost?
Prices start at $299, according to the EssilorLuxottica media release.

Are these glasses available with prescriptions?
Yes. They come in rectangle, square, and oval shapes and are optimized for prescriptions.

Where can I buy Meta Glasses?
They are available via Meta.com in select regions (US, Canada, UK, and parts of Europe) and at retailers like Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters in the US.

What do you think about the $299 price point for AI glasses? Would you replace your current frames with smart eyewear? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on wearable tech.