Ray Ban & Oakley Meta Smart Glasses - Available at Cassidy Eyecare

Smart eyewear has been quietly evolving in the background for a few years now, but the latest release of Meta's Generation 3 smart glasses in New Zealand marks a genuine leap forward.

Combining Meta's technology with classic frame designs from Ray-Ban and high-performance optics from Oakley, these frames integrate cameras, open-ear audio, and voice capability directly into everyday eyewear.

As an independent practice, we’re always interested in how new lens and frame technology can be adapted to real-world vision needs. Here is a look at what these frames offer and how we can tailor them with prescription lenses in-store.

What Do Meta Smart Glasses Do?

Rather than displaying heads-up graphics in your line of sight, the Meta platform focuses on hands-free utility, high-quality audio, and image capture directly from your perspective.

• Hands-Free Photos & Video: Built-in ultra-wide cameras allow you to snap photos or record video from your point of view without needing to pull out a phone.

• Open-Ear Audio: Micro-speakers built into the temples direct sound toward your ears. This allows you to listen to podcasts, music, or take phone calls while keeping your ear canals open to ambient sound around you. 

• Meta AI Assistant: Voice controls allow you to ask questions, manage media playback, or take calls using simple voice commands.  These glasses can translate a page of print written in a foreign language, and read it back to you. You can look at something interesting, and ask the glasses to tell you about it.

The Lineup: Ray-Ban vs. Oakley

Meta has partnered with two of the optical industry's most recognizable brands to build smart capability into established frame shapes:

Ray-Ban Meta

Built around classic styles like the Wayfarer and Headliner, the Ray-Ban Meta collection is designed primarily for everyday wear. The frames retain the iconic Ray-Ban look while housing a 12MP camera, open-ear speakers, and directional microphones.

Oakley Meta

Designed with sports and active wear in mind, the Oakley Meta frames (including styles like the Vanguard and HSTN) focus on durability and performance fit. These styles pair hands-free audio and capture with Oakley’s specialized frame geometry, making them ideal for running, cycling, and outdoor activities.

Tailoring Smart Glasses to Your Prescription

One of the most common questions we get asked about smart frames is whether they can be fitted with prescription lenses. The answer is yes.

At our New Lynn and Te Atatu practices, we can fit Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta frames with a wide range of custom optical options:

1. Single Vision & Progressive Lenses: Customized to your precise script and optical centre height.

2. Transitions® / Photochromic Lenses: Lenses that remain clear indoors and darken automatically when exposed to UV light outdoors.

3. Polarised & Tinted Sun Lenses: Maximising clarity and glare reduction for Auckland conditions.

Try Them On In-Store

If you'd like to test out the audio quality, see how the frames feel, or discuss prescription options, come and see us.

The Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta collections are now available to view at our New Lynn practice.

If you are due for a routine vision check before updating your glasses, you can book an eye exam online or give our team a call.