April 15, 2021
Be My Eyes is a free tool that connects users who are visually impaired with a global community of volunteers ready at a moment’s notice to help them “see”—to lend their eyesight and support with everyday tasks. The multilingual support community is millions strong, available globally day or night, and has volunteers answering calls in more than 185 languages. The free visual support includes tasks such as reading small print, matching clothes, troubleshooting technology, setting up home appliances, or any other simple task a volunteer can complete over live video. Anyone 17 or older may sign up as a user or volunteer. The calls are connected based on daytime time zone and language; the average wait time is about 15 seconds. When a call is answered, a live one-way video (two-way audio) is initiated, allowing volunteers to see what’s in front of the user’s camera and provide verbal support. The app is available for iOS and Android devices. Cost: Free app