Living with glaucoma can make everyday tasks, such as reading labels, navigating public spaces, managing medications, or using a smartphone, more challenging. The good news? Today’s smartphones include powerful accessibility features, and there are excellent apps designed to support people with low vision.*

Below is a practical, easy-to-use guide to apps that many people with glaucoma find helpful in daily life.

Built-In Smartphone Tools You Should Know About

Before downloading anything new, it’s worth exploring the accessibility features already built into your phone.

VoiceOver (iPhone)

Developed by Apple, VoiceOver is a screen reader that speaks what’s on your screen—buttons, menus, text, battery level, and more.

Why it helps:

• Lets you use your phone even when text is hard to see
• Reads emails, messages, and web pages aloud
• Includes a built-in screen magnifier and color-filter options
• Supports large text, grayscale, and high-contrast displays

VoiceOver also works seamlessly with Siri, allowing you to:

• Set reminders for eye drops
• Make calls or send texts hands-free
• Ask for directions or read notifications aloud

TalkBack (Android)

TalkBack is the Android equivalent of VoiceOver. It provides spoken feedback, gesture-based navigation, and compatibility with Braille displays for users who need them.

Apps That Help You Read, Recognize, and Identify

Seeing AI

Created by Microsoft, Seeing AI turns your phone’s camera into a “talking assistant.” It can:

• Read printed text and documents aloud
• Identify currency
• Recognize faces and facial expressions
• Describe objects and scenes

Many people with glaucoma use Seeing AI for reading mail, labels, menus, and signs, especially in unfamiliar places. Get it on iOS or Android. 

Envision AI

Similar to Seeing AI, this app can read text, identify objects, and recognize people. One benefit is that some features work offline, which can be useful when traveling.

When You Need a Human Helper

Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes connects you with a sighted volunteer through a live video call, usually within seconds.

People use it to:

• Check expiration dates
• Read appliance displays
• Match clothing colors
• Get help with quick, everyday tasks

The app is free, and the large volunteer community keeps wait times short.

Aira

Aira is similar to Be My Eyes, but uses trained professional agents instead of volunteers. Agents can help you navigate airports, read documents, or move through complex public spaces. Some locations (like airports or hospitals) offer Aira access at no cost.

Navigation and Travel Apps

Getting around safely is a major concern for people with glaucoma, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places. Helpful options include:

• Google Maps – offers spoken turn-by-turn directions and transit updates
• Moovit – useful for public transportation with real-time stop announcements
• Lazarillo – provides audio descriptions of nearby businesses and surroundings
• Evelity – designed for indoor navigation in large spaces like hospitals, museums, or transit stations

Important note: Apps are helpful tools, but they do not replace orientation and mobility training. Always use good judgment and established safety techniques when traveling.

Voice Assistants for Hands-Free Support

Voice assistants can reduce eye strain and make daily tasks easier.

• Siri (Apple) – send texts, set reminders, check the weather, or control smart-home devices
• Google Assistant / Alexa – manage schedules, ask questions, and operate compatible devices using your voice

Many people with glaucoma use voice assistants to:

• Set medication reminders
• Check calendars
• Make calls without needing to read the screen

Learning How to Use These Tools

If you’re new to accessibility features, training makes a big difference. Helpful resources include:

• Video tutorials from the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• App reviews and community tips from AppleVis, a site focused on Apple users with low vision

These step-by-step guides can help you build confidence and get more value from your phone.

The Bottom Line

Smartphones can be powerful assistive tools for people living with glaucoma. Whether it’s reading mail, navigating public spaces, managing medications, or getting quick help when you need it, the right apps can make daily life safer and more independent.

You don’t need to use everything—start with one or two tools that solve your biggest challenges, then build from there. Technology can’t cure glaucoma, but it can remove barriers and help you stay connected, confident, and in control.

Sources:

• BrightFocus Foundation. “Apps for People with Low Vision”. brightfocus.org 
• Lighthouse for the Blind. 19 Essential Apps for Blind or Visually Impaired Individuals” lhpb.org

To ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information, The Glaucoma Community closely vets all sources. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, procedure, or device discussed within.