According to a visually challenged woman, AI-enhanced smart glasses protect her guide dog while allowing her to remain independent in hot weather.

Lorraine Virco, a resident of Preston, Lancashire, is gradually losing her vision due to optic nerve atrophy, a disorder that was discovered during a regular eye test eight years ago, reports Parin Begum in BBC.

The 44-year-old stated that although she enjoys being outside with her three-year-old guide dog, Gigi, she must exercise additional caution when it's hot outside.

According to Guide Dogs UK, dogs should not be trained or employed in temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the possibility of heatstroke.

When it's too hot to take Gigi outside, Lorraine, who is medically retired from her position as a teaching assistant, uses a white cane and AI-powered smart glasses as an alternate method of safe mobility.

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Although the glasses resemble regular eyewear, they are equipped with artificial intelligence software, open-ear audio, and cameras.

"I can ask them where I am and they'll tell me what street I'm on," Lorraine said.

"If I go into a supermarket, I can video call somebody and they can see what I'm looking at and help me find things on the shelf.

"I can call Be My Eyes and that does the same thing."

Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers and AI for real-time visual assistance.

"I can take photos and ask, 'What am I looking at?' and it'll tell me. I can also ask for more description.

"They read letters, appointment information and bus timetables too."

Although Lorraine claimed that spending time with Gigi was more fun than using the technology, it did help her keep the puppy safe in hot temperatures.

Lorraine explained that Gigi helps her navigate everyday journeys, from riding buses and locating kerbs and crossing points to moving through busy shopping centers and train stations. Over time, they have also developed familiar routes for their regular trips, including visits to Lorraine’s local choir, a place Gigi particularly enjoys.

She said she still made sure Gigi received plenty of stimulation at home.

"She's got toys and brain activities to do, like a toy where we hide biscuits and she's got to find them."

Sally McCoy, from Guide Dogs UK, said: "We strongly advise people not to work their dogs if there's an amber or red weather warning because of the heat.