Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that provides visual assistance to blind and low-vision people through a live video connection. A user points their phone's camera at something they need help with—a food label, a piece of mail, a setting on a thermostat—and a sighted volunteer, connected via the app, describes the scene or reads the text aloud in real time. It turns a smartphone into a powerful tool for independence, tackling everyday visual challenges with human support.

The app works by matching a user's call for help with an available volunteer from its global community. For faster answers to common questions, Be My Eyes also includes an AI-powered visual assistant. This feature can automatically identify objects, read text, describe scenes, and answer questions about what the camera sees. Businesses can also join the platform to provide dedicated, trained support for their own products and services, making their offerings more accessible.

This tool is most beneficial for individuals who are blind or have low vision, helping them with tasks that require sight, from distinguishing between similar items in a pantry to navigating public transportation. It's also valuable for companies committed to inclusive customer service, allowing them to offer direct visual assistance. In practice, it's used for reading instructions, checking expiration dates, choosing clothing, and much more, fostering independence through a simple video call.