Apps that make a difference: Be My Eyes app
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and partially sighted people with sighted volunteers through a live video call. By using your phone’s camera, a volunteer can describe what they can see and help with everyday visual tasks.
This page explains what Be My Eyes does, how people often use it, and where it can be helpful as part of wider support.
What is Be My Eyes?
Be My Eyes works by connecting you to a sighted volunteer when you press a call button in the app. The volunteer uses the video feed from your phone’s camera to describe what is in front of you.
The app is free to download and use, and it is available on both Android and iOS devices. It is designed to be accessible, with simple controls and spoken prompts to guide you through what is happening during a call.
How people use Be My Eyes
People use Be My Eyes for quick, everyday tasks where a human description is helpful. For example, one person told us they use it to:
- check the colour of clothing
- read sell by dates on food
- confirm whether a light is on or off
- look at something on a computer screen
- identify an object or sign when out and about
Some people describe it as having “eyes at the end of the phone” for those moments when a quick visual check makes life easier.
Because you are speaking to a real person, you can ask follow-up questions or clarify things in a natural way, which many people find reassuring.
Things to be aware of
Be My Eyes connects you to a volunteer, not a trained professional. Volunteers are usually friendly and helpful, but availability can vary depending on the time of day.
It is best used for everyday, non-urgent tasks. It should not be used for emergencies, safety-critical situations, or anything involving personal or sensitive information.
Using the app also requires some ability to position your phone’s camera towards what you want the volunteer to see, so it may not be suitable or comfortable for everyone.
How Be My Eyes fits with other tools
Be My Eyes is one of several tools that can help with reading, identifying objects, or understanding what’s around you.
Some people prefer tools that work automatically, such as apps that read text or describe images using artificial intelligence. Others value the human interaction that Be My Eyes offers. Many people use a combination of tools, depending on the situation.
There is no right or wrong choice – it’s about finding what works best for you.
Getting support
If you’re interested in trying Be My Eyes or want to explore other options for visual assistance, a Sight Loss Advisor is usually the first point of contact. They can talk through your needs and everyday tasks.
If technology-based support might be helpful, they can refer you to a Digital Skills Advisor for more specialist support. Help is always shaped around what matters to you, at your pace.
If you’d like to talk about Be My Eyes or other technology that might help in daily life, please contact us to find out what support is available.