What is the Be My Eyes app?
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind or partially sighted users with sighted users via a live video connection.
The blind or partially sighted user can request assistance with anything, from reading the expiry date on a carton of milk to navigating new surroundings. Sighted volunteers receive a notification when someone has requested help and once accepted a live video connection is established so help can be provided.
The app is available for iOS (Apple) and Android devices:
Further information can be found on the Be My Eyes website and the BBC World Service 5 minute video How smartphones became 'eyes' for the blind.
Specialized help
UK users of Be My Eyes, can now connect directly with RNIB's Technology for Life volunteers for support with access technology needs. The specialised service allows you to request sighted help with visual aspects of your technology, including smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and braille displays.
The RNIB volunteers can provide a wide range of visual help, including describing a new piece of equipment, reading messages on LED screens, explaining what’s on a computer screen (if the screen reader has stopped talking) and many other tasks.
You can access the service through the Be My Eyes app by selecting Specialized Help - Blindness Organisations - RNIB. The service is available from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week.
Further information on the new service can be found on RNIB's Be My Eyes partners with RNIB to provide access technology support webpage.
