The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new service to support people who are partially sighted to use lateral flow tests in their own homes.
The service has been launched to help make testing more accessible by connecting people with low vision with agents, who are available through voice or video call.
UKHSA has collaborated with Be My Eyes, a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers for visual assistance, and users will now be able to connect through the app with NHS Test and Trace staff.
Developed by a Danish app company, it aims to help people to recognise objects and cope with everyday situations. It’s supported by an online community of sighted volunteers, who also receive photos or videos from randomly assigned individuals and then assist via live chat.
Users can now benefit from live video assistance from NHS Test and Trace staff to help guide them through how to order, use the tests, and then how to register their test results.
The service has been launched following a partnership between UKHSA and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the Macular Society, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Visionary and Be My Eyes app.
Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UKHSA, said: “Rapid testing continues to play a vital role in combating the spread of COVID-19. This important new service will help make it easier for partially sighted people to use rapid tests in the comfort of their own home.”
Mike Wordingham, Policy Officer for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, added: “Since early on in the pandemic, RNIB has been working with the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the accessibility of at-home tests with more than 100 blind and partially sighted people involved in exploring solutions.
“We are pleased the Be My Eyes app will enable thousands more people with sight loss to connect with live video assistance to carry out tests, as it is vital this happens to enable people to keep themselves and their communities safe. We look forward to continuing the work to ensure testing is made accessible to all, including through the provision of the new instructions in braille, audio and large print formats.”
Will Butler, Chief Experience Officer, Be My Eyes, said: “The lack of accessible COVID-19 testing options puts millions of people in a difficult and dangerous situation. Technology can bridge this gap, and we’re proud to provide UKHSA with a secure, reliable channel to reach and serve anyone who needs visual support. We hope other health care providers will follow their example.”
For an overview of the app, watch the video below:
