‘Be My Eyes’ App Uses Volunteers to Help Visually Impaired Navigate the World

In today's interconnected world, technology breaks barriers when it comes to inclusivity and support for communities often overlooked.

Among these brilliant technological advances is an app that truly captures the spirit of help and understanding: Be My Eyes. Designed to bridge the gap between the sighted and the visually impaired, this app makes everyday tasks simple for those in need.

Be My Eyes works as a virtual support system, connecting blind and low-vision people with volunteers and companies globally, all through the lens of a smartphone. Through live video calls and the power of artificial intelligence, users can seek immediate aid with any task, no matter the time or location.

Imagine receiving a notification on your phone, signaling a call for help. With a simple tap, you enter the world of someone in need, offering your sight to guide them through their temporary challenge. Recently, I experienced this firsthand, as a request for assistance popped up on my screen. In an instant, I found myself virtually browsing the greeting card section of a store, assisting a fellow user in selecting the perfect birthday card for her sister.

Talking with this woman in need made me see how even simple tasks can be difficult for people with vision problems, but with Be My Eyes, these challenges become opportunities for connection and support.

READ MORE: Massachusetts Is Home to One of the World's Biggest Self-Help Podcasts

What sets Be My Eyes apart is its accessibility and inclusivity. Volunteers from all walks of life can contribute their time and expertise, regardless of their location or schedule. There's always someone ready to lend a helping eye. With over 7 million volunteers and hundreds of thousands of blind and low-vision users spanning across 150 countries and 180 languages, the reach of Be My Eyes goes beyond the borders worldwide.

Little did I know when I became a Be My Eyes volunteer that I'd be making a difference not only in the world but to someone in need at that specific moment. Whether it's assisting with grocery shopping, reading labels or navigating unfamiliar surroundings, every contribution matters.

As I eagerly await my next opportunity to lend a helping eye, I'm reminded that the simplest acts of kindness can have the most profound impact on someone's life and it's the most humbling experience I've encountered in quite some time.