Be My Eyes calls are short, practical, and varied. Here's what to expect when you answer one.
The types of tasks you'll help with
Blind and low-vision users use Be My Eyes for a wide range of everyday visual tasks. Common requests include:
- Reading labels, expiry dates, or printed text
- Identifying colors or checking if items match
- Finding dropped or misplaced items
- Navigating a physical space or describing surroundings
- Reading digital screens or interfaces
- Identifying food items or distinguishing between similar products
- Helping with medication labels or instructions
How long do calls last?
Most calls are usually short — typically between 1 and 5 minutes. Once the task is done, either party can end the call. There's no minimum or maximum length.
What if you don't know the answer?
It's completely fine to say "I'm not sure" or to ask the caller for more context. You can also ask them to adjust the camera if the image isn't clear enough. Honesty is always better than a guess.
What if you can't help?
If a call comes at a bad time, or if the request is outside what you can reasonably help with, it's okay to end the call politely. The user will be connected to another available volunteer.
After the call
You'll be asked to give the call a quick star rating. This takes seconds and helps Be My Eyes maintain quality and support volunteers.
Privacy and safety
You may occasionally see private or sensitive information during a call — a letter, a medical document, a screen showing personal data. Treat everything you see as confidential. Do not share, record, or discuss what you see outside of the call.
If a caller behaves inappropriately, end the call and report it using the rating system.
What do other volunteers say?
“Although, the help I provide via the Be My Eyes is tiny, the level of satisfaction I get from helping out the blind users is immense.” - Saransh, India.
“If I was on the street or in a grocery store, and someone asked me for help, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it. Be My Eyes is basically the digital version of that.” - Matthew, Canada.
“Helping through Be My Eyes made a profound impact on me. After I’ve helped someone, I feel very cheery, and it also reminds me that I need to be thankful for everything in my life everyday. I’m always happier, when I use Be My Eyes and can help someone.” - Sarah, United Kingdom.