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Close-Up Of Brown Human Eye

Source: Faraian Silviu Stefan / EyeEm / Getty

I was at lunch with a friend a few months ago, and her phone rang. It was a Facetime call. She answered and on short order began talking the person on the other line through finding buttons on a new microwave. I thought it was her grandmother, but learned that it was actually a perfect stranger.  A visually impaired person from somewhere in the world that needed some help, and all they had to do was to use their Be My Eyes App.   Be My Eyes is an app that connects blind and visually impaired with sighted volunteers from around the world via live video call.

How does it work?

A blind person requests assistance in the Be My Eyes app. They could need help with practically anything – from knowing the expiration date on the milk to navigating new surroundings.  Your phone rings. Actually, everyone who has signed up and indicated that they are available during that time’s phone rings. The first person to get to it becomes the volunteer helper. The volunteer helper receives a notification for help and a live video connection is established. From the live video the volunteer can help the blind person by answering the question they need answered.

It’s a dope concept and once you download the app, you’ll find yourself racing to be first to answer a call! Founder Hans Jørgen Wiberg says, “It’s my hope that by helping each other as an online community, Be My Eyes will make a big difference in the everyday lives of blind people all over the world.”  Learn more here. Download the free app here.