Apps for people with blindness and low vision

Visually impaired user apps

  • There are a number of apps to assist people with blindness and low vision, ranging from connecting you with sighted volunteers to apps that convert text to speech.
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There are a number of apps to assist people with blindness and low vision, ranging from connecting you with sighted volunteers to apps that convert text to speech.  

App Description

Be My Eyes

This app connects people with blindness and low vision to sighted volunteers for visual assistance through a live video call. Learn more about Be My Eyes.

OneStep Reader(external link)

This is a mobile phone app in which a synthesised voice reads the content of the visual material to you. Learn more about OneStep Reader(external link).  

Seeing AI(external link)

A Microsoft app with a variety of features to find out what is around you. By holding up your phone, you can find out about your surroundings. By switching channels you can hear different types of information being spoken out. Learn more about Seeing AI(external link).   

Other apps that may be helpful are those that allow you to hear either from a “real” person or from artificial intelligence details of what visual information you’re showing the app. These can be used, eg, to read labels on medicines, identify products and help you search for information online while you’re on the computer. The following apps are available in New Zealand app stores:

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify Editorial Team

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