App turns phones into digital ‘eyes’ for visually impaired

SINGAPORE – The visually-impaired may soon be able to turn their smartphones into digital eyes to help them get around, thanks to a new mobile application called “Lend an Eye”.

With it, a visually-impaired person can use a smartphone to call a sighted volunteer. As the phone is slung around the user’s neck, a live video of what lies before him will be streamed into the volunteer’s phone. The helper can then guide the person with verbal cues.

The app, which took a month to create, was developed by communications agency Grey Singapore as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. There are no plans to commercialise it.

“We wanted to come up with an easy-to-use app to enhance the lives of the visually handicapped,” said Grey Singapore’s Ali Shabaz, who heads the app’s development.

The app was tested for a month by five employees of Eureka Call Centre Systems, a call centre that employs people with disabilities.

Mr Steve Tee, 32, was one such trial user.

Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, he does not have peripheral vision and finds it difficult to see kerbs and low-lying objects such as benches. “This app can tell me to slow down when there are steps in front,” he said.

But the app’s success will depend on the availability of volunteers, Mr Shabaz admits. He suggests that volunteers can either be a family member or friend, or from volunteer groups such as the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped.

The app also has other limitations, such as requiring a data plan. When The Straits Times tried out the app, the video and sound lagged occasionally.

Ms Carolyn Toh, 38, of Eureka Call Centre Systems, who was born blind, said she would consider using the app once the kinks are ironed out.

Source: The Straits Times

Category: Technology & Devices