Be My Eyes

I love answering calls because it humbles me that low vision or blind people go through a lot of extra work just to get through daily life. And to be able to make it easier for them means the world to me. It ALWAYS makes me smile even if I’m having a bad day by helping. Everyone is so grateful and wonderful to work with. I even helped out a man with narrowed vision who voluntarily goes out and helps homeless people and needed help reading a SUPER small print sheet that had all the resources for people in need. He just needed to find the one for housing to help people get back on their feet. Not only are they giving back and volunteering, but I felt a part of it at the same time because I was able to help him find the resources he needed so he could give out to those he helps who are homeless. Someone with a disability giving back in the way they receive help themselves is the definition of giving forward. And I just think this is Suh an amazing app, with amazing people all over the world. I can’t want until my next call to help out someone new. Now if I could also meet them, that would just mean the world to me to meet these incredible people. They inspire me.

I love having this app on my phone. While I have only received two calls in the last 6 months (I was too late to answer my first call, but successfully answered the second call today!), it’s still amazing that I was able to help someone with something so small; something the rest of us take for granted every day. Today a woman called asking if I could help her adjust her thermostat. When she pointed the camera, it was a little low. I asked her to hold the phone up a little, and then I was able to see the thermostat clearly. Her heat was set on 70°, so she counted the buttons up to 75° and I let her know she had successfully turned her heat up. She said she didn’t need anymore help and thanked me for helping! I told her she was welcome and to have a great day. She was very sweet and I was glad I got to help:) A lot of these reviews seem to forget this app is for the visually impaired. It isn’t about how many calls you get to answer, or how great you feel because you volunteered. This app is designed to help those who need it. I think it’s wonderful that so many people volunteer, regardless of the number of people that need help.

I have been a member about 6 months. I was the first to answer a call for the first time about a month ago. That gentleman was new to the app and just wanted to try it out and ask some questions. Today I received a call where a woman had three pairs of tights, and needed to know which were blue, brown, and black. It was easy to help her and she seemed very grateful. As someone with RP but who still has very functional vision, it is so rewarding to be able to offer assistance. I have seen negative reviews from others that were frustrated they rarely got calls, and were never the first to answer. It was five months before I was actually able to help someone, so just stick with it. I think it is also helpful to remember this isn't about you, it's about the person that needs assistance. Basically you have nothing to lose by being a member, and eventually will be able to assist someone. I am glad there are services like this out there for me when I need help someday.

I recently read about someone who had troubles getting help because nobody answered. Well, I always try to answer, but I have to unlock my phone first. By the time I get it unlocked, the call has been passed to someone else. If I have more than a few seconds to answer, I would be able to answer more often. It would be great if the request came through as a FaceTime call; I think I don’t have to unlock my phone for that. Furthermore, I would be more useful if I could set my app to available or unavailable when I’m sitting idle or driving. Because of the issues I have answering and the rarity of requests, I have often considered deleting the app altogether. Other than my two complaints, I have enjoyed the app. I really enjoyed helping the two folks I was able to assist. I’ll be honest, I get really excited when the opportunity to help someone arises. Helping others is what I enjoy most in life, but I would like more opportunities to do so. Thank you to the creators of Be My Eyes for creating something so wonderful. I don’t expect it to be perfect, but I hope my feedback helps improve the experience for everyone.

I love having this app on my phone and think it’s a great way to help! I am always willing to help whoever calls with whatever it is they need as my sight is something I often forget about being a blessing to have and to think how scary it must be to not have sight makes me want to ease that fear, even if just a little! The apps like these!, the ones that truly make things better for others, are not often found and it would be such a better place if we were able to ha e more apps like theses as it can serve as a reminder to be grateful for what we do have and to remember that when we think it’s the worse it actually is worse for others and it can put a little nudge in your ear that says, “seriously?” Here I am complaining about this when there’s people that will never know what the sky looks like, or the color of rain! It’s very humbling and rewarding all at the same time! Thanks for this reminder and opportunity!