Bring sight to people who are blind or have low vision. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects these individuals with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call. Every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives. A blind or a low-vision user could need help with anything from checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions, or navigating new surroundings.
How does it work?
The person who is blind or has low vision requests assistance through the Be My Eyes app. You, as the volunteer, will then directly communicate with them through a live video call, guiding which direction to point their camera, what to focus on, or when to turn on the flashlight so that you can better assist them.
How do you get started?
As a sighted volunteer, you can help just by installing the Be My Eyes app and joining the global Be My Eyes community.
Don't forget to Respond to this Need, so you can track your service hours. To get your volunteer hours for Be My Eyes approved in South Serves, you will need to contact Alexander Hauerslev Jensen at alexander@bemyeyes.com with a request to verify your service on the dates you plan to submit on South Serves. In order to ensure that they are maintaining your privacy and only sharing information that you've approved for release, Be My Eyes asks that you, the volunteer, e-mail them an hours verification request. Please note that you will need to send your request from the e-mail account that you used to create your Be My Eyes login. Using the e-mail address associated with your Be My Eyes account is how they will be able to confirm your account and identity. You will then need to send a copy of the verification you receive to communityengagement@southalabama.edu in order for us to be able to confirm your hours. If you have any questions about this process, please don't hesitate to e-mail the Office of Community Engagement at communityengagement@southalabama.edu.
