Be My Eyes is a software application developed for iOS and Android devices. The native mobile applications communicates via HTTPS to a web api server, hosted on a Platform as a Service provider. Be My Eyes utilizes the blind or low-vision user’s rear-facing camera to initiate a video call with either a volunteer or a company representative. The video call technology is integrated into a simple interface that is easy to navigate and is fully accessible with all accessibility features. The video connection is made through the WebRTC standard using an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. After download, the user has to go through a simple registration procedure, signing up as either a blind/low-vision user or a sighted volunteer. After completing registration, the blind or low-vision user has two main options on the home screen, “Call first available volunteer” and “Specialized Help”. “Call first available volunteer”, will connect the user to a sighted volunteer. The user will automatically be matched with a volunteer speaking the same language. The matching algorithm will also take the timezone into consideration, as volunteers are only contacted during their daytime hours in their local time zone (8 am - 9 pm). The volunteer will receive a notification from Be My Eyes on their device and when answered, they will be connected to the caller. The call consists of a one-way video connection and a two-way audio connection, meaning that Be My Eyes will use the microphone of both parties, but only the camera of the blind or low-vision user, giving the volunteer access to the feed from the blind/low-vision user’s camera. Through the Specialized Help feature, blind and low-vision users can connect to company agents at our partner companies. The call in itself works like a call to a volunteer, but will be picked up by an agent at a call center. A desk-top version for company agents is in development.

https://www.bemyeyes.com

• Western Europe and North America

• People with disabilities

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