Be My Eyes

Dear LinkedIn fam,

Here I have something great to share. Yesterday, my friend Panisha has shared with me an app called Be My Eyes.?

What is Be My Eyes?

Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app for iOS and Android. Be My Eyes connects blind and low vision users with sighted volunteers or company representatives for visual assistance through a live video connection. In more basic terms, it allows users to have a sighted person on demand through video chat. There is no limit to how often a user can access Be My Eyes, and the service is free to use. The app also can be used from anywhere in the world, with no language restrictions.?

Who can be volunteers?

ANYONE! Volunteers remain anonymous during calls and do not appear on video; their voice is the only thing that transmits.

How does it work?

Every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives.

• Blind or low-vision person requests assistance

As blind or low-vision people, whenever you need visual assistance, our volunteers are happy to help. Through the live video call, you and a volunteer can communicate directly and solve a problem. The volunteer will guide you on how to point your camera in the right direction, what to focus on, and when to turn on your torch.

• Sighted volunteer receives a video call

As a sighted volunteer, you can help just by installing the Be My Eyes app. A blind or a low-vision user may need help with anything, from checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions, or navigating new surroundings.

Storytime!

Immediately right after Panisha's explanation on Be My Eyes, I have installed the app. After installing, I did not receive any calls, I was told to look out for calls the next day. “You have to be very quick to answer the calls as there are many volunteers out there", Panisha said. So I waited. When it finally rang today, I just shut down my laptop after ten to eleven hours of work, in the mid of a conversation with my dad, solving his work while rushing to get my parcel from the Shopee delivery driver. I knew there were thousands of people who can help this caller if I just declined the call. But deep in my heart, I know that a call will take only a few minutes that will bring an impact on someone's life. And I want to be a part of the impact!?

So, I quickly swiped right on the notification of Be My Eyes. “Hello, how may I help you?”, I answered. "The man on the line told me he was from Mumbai and that he needed help in identifying the insulin box. To be honest, I guessed and assumed his problem due to his weak internet connection. But at the same time, I could not disappoint my first caller, and I wanted to help him with what he needed. Somehow, I managed to read him the name and color of the medicine.?

“Thank you so much, Ma’am. God bless you and have a great evening ahead”, he said sweetly to me.?

I am not sure how this affects others but certainly has an impact on me. I have always been involving in volunteer work, but recently I have felt demotivated and exhausted due to the pandemic. This call and Be My Eyes were the catalysts to ignite my motivation again.?

In my opinion, Be My Eyes is a chance for anyone to help blind or visually disabled people, but perhaps a better description for this experience is charitable reciprocation. I helped a man to identify his medicine on time, but he helped me by allowing me to feel useful and grateful for what I have. Like today, I log off after ten to eleven hours of work, and I feel like I have not accomplished that much. But then I get these two to a five-minute phone call from a Be My Eyes user, and it is just great to be able to help. It is very rewarding, and all of a sudden this frustrating day turns into a great, rewarding, positive day.?I am very thankful for Be My Eyes for creating such a platform that allows me to contribute something.

Volunteers are always in demand, but volunteers who speak languages other than English or multiple languages are in the highest demand right now. I strongly encourage everyone to sign up and learn how to volunteer as a Be My Eyes volunteer since it is an excellent volunteer opportunity and an easy way to help individuals live independently.

We are all stuck at home due to this pandemic, and this is the least we could do to contribute. Let us be kind and spread love. Each call would not take more than 5 minutes, I got my FIRST CALL, and I want you to feel this too. Install Be My Eyes now and share your experience here in the comments!

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