Blind veterans can get free AI glasses Wednesday in Des Moines

Driving the news: The American Council of the Blind is hosting the distribution and training event from 10am-2pm at the Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth St.

• The event is part of Meta's effort to provide the technology to more than 130,000 veterans nationwide.

How it works: Eligible U.S. military veterans must be legally blind and bring proof of veteran status and a compatible smartphone.

• The glasses, which typically retail for around $400, are free while supplies last.

Zoom in: The program was inspired by Army veteran Don Overton, who lost his eyesight in a bunker explosion during Operation Desert Storm.

• Overton later worked with Meta's wearables team on features to make the glasses more useful for blind veterans.

What's next: Veterans who register in advance get priority during the first hour, though registration doesn't guarantee a pair.