Be My Eyes

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
  • Original Title: Be My Eyes
  • Year: 2016
  • Award: WSA European Young Innovators
  • Category: European Young Innovators
  • Producer: Hans Jørgen Wiberg, Christian Erfurt, Alexander Hauerslev Jensen
  • Organisation: Be My Eyes
  • Country: Denmark
  • URL: http://www.bemyeyes.org

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that aims to make the world more accessible for the blind & visually impaired. Even though many blind & visually impaired people can go about their lives without assistance, there are situations where an extra pair of helpful eyes is invaluable. These moments vary from reading the expiry date of foods or getting assistance with handouts in school to more complex issues like navigating new surroundings or understanding complicated technical matters.  Be My Eyes enables blind & visually impaired people to connect with sighted volunteers all over the world by simply making a video call on a smartphone. This entrepreneurial project combines digital technology with social interaction to help the community help. The beauty of Be My Eyes lies in connecting the blind with the sighted, thus helping someone in a pinch overcome daily struggles by providing valuable aid instantly, while allowing friendships to grow through digital innovation.

Jury Evaluation:

“Simple things aren’t always as easy. Reading expiration dates, finding your way through crowded streets or picking your favourite holiday picture. What if it’s hard to know, difficult to maneuver and impossible to choose? And what if you could help? Be My Eyes is an application based on us-helping-us. The beauty lies in the simplicity of connecting the blind with the sighted. Helping someone overcome daily struggles by providing valuable aid through your eyes.
This entrepreneurial project combines digital technology with social interaction to help the community help. By not only boosting confidence, but above all, by providing guidance in shaping their world. Be My Eyes facilitates easy interaction between those in need and those available to help, allowing for society and friendships to grow through digital innovation. The true spirit of the European Youth Awards.” – EYA Grand Jury Report