The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new service that aims to make it easier for people with sight loss to take rapid flow tests at home.
The Be My Eyes app connects people with low to moderate vision with agents from 119 via video call.
NHS Test and Trace staff can help guide the caller through how to order and use the test and register the result.
UKHSA chief executive Dame Jenny Harries 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.”
The service has been launched following an ongoing partnership between UKHSA and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the Macular Society, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Visionary and the Be My Eyes app.
UKHSA carried out trials with volunteers with varying levels of sight loss to understand how to make rapid flow testing more accessible.
Additional new tools are also being introduced for partially-sighted people ordering home testing kits, including instructions in braille, audio and large print and an RNIB information line providing recorded instructions.
Mike Wordingham, Policy Officer for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), said:
“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, added:
“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.”
Those who experience visual impairment or partial sight across the UK can call NHS Test and Trace for visual assistance with taking the at-home lateral flow test directly through the Be My Eyes app.
People can order lateral flow tests to be posted directly to their home.