Be My Eyes

Overview

Be My Eyes is a mobile application built around accessibility. It links people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers through live vIDEo calls, and in recent years it has added AI-driven image description features. The aim is to give users fast, conversational help with everyday visual tasks, from reading a label to understanding a scene in front of them. The tool is best understood as an assistance service rather than a content-creation product.

What it does

The core experience is simple: a user opens the APP, points the camera at something, and requests help. A sighted volunteer can describe what the camera sees in real time, or the AI feature can generate a description of a still image. This makes the app useful for quick questions where waiting for a human may not be prACTical. The AI component is designed to complement, not fully replace, human volunteers.

Key capabilities

• Live volunteer calls: Request a video call and have a sighted volunteer describe the scene, object, or document in front of you.
• AI image description: Submit a photo and receive a generated description of its contents, useful for identifying objects, reading short text, or orienting yourself.
• Accessible design: The app is built with screen readers and voice interaction in mind, so navigation works for users who cannot see the screen.
• Multi-purpose help: Common uses include reading packAGIng, checking colors or clothing, finding misplaced items, and getting a General sense of surroundings.
• community support: A large base of volunteers and partner organizations backs the service, and availability may vary by region and time of day.

Who it is for

Be My Eyes is primarily intended for blind and low-vision indiViduals who want on-demand visual assistance. It can also be valuable for older adults with deCLIning sight, caregivers who want an extra layer of support, and accessibility advocates evaluating assistive Technology. Because the AI feature produces descriptions rather than precise measurements, it is not a substitute for Professional medical, legal, or navigation advice.

How to get started

1. Install the Be My Eyes app from the iOS App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account and choose whether you are seeking assistance or volunteering to help others.
3. Grant camera and microphone permissions so calls and image capture can work.
4. Explore the AI image description option and the volunteer call option, then practice with a simple object at home.

Pricing and access caveat

The service is generally free for users, supported by volunteers and partners. Specific AI features, supported languages, and regional availability may change over time, so check the app and official documentation for current details. The AI descriptions should be treated as helpful guidance rather than guaranteed accuracy, especially for sensitive tasks such as medication identification or obstacle detection.