Shop RNIB Donate now

Eyeware

RNIB Eyeware logo

Experience the world through the lens of sight loss with RNIB Eyeware.

RNIB Eyeware is a free-to-use* innovative AR (Augmented Reality) app which immerses users in experiences of sight loss, offering a glimpse into the world of those living with various sight conditions.

Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare professional, product designer or are simply curious about the challenges faced by individuals with sight loss, RNIB Eyeware provides a unique and empathetic experience showcasing the importance of accessible products, services and environments for those living with sight loss.

*Non-commercial use only

Download RNIB Eyeware Today

Ready to experience RNIB Eyeware? Download the app today to start exploring life through the perspective of sight loss.

Available for both iOS and Android, Eyeware is easy to install and compatible with most mobile devices.

RNIB Eyeware is also available to try without downloading as RNIB Eyeware Lite. No download needed—experience real-time eye condition simulations in your mobile browser.

A screenshot from the RNIB Eyeware app

For iOS

Visit the App Store, search for “RNIB Eyeware” and tap to download or click here: RNIB Eyeware on the App Store

For Android

Head to the Google Play Store, find “RNIB Eyeware” and install with one click or click here: RNIB Eyeware – Apps on Google Play

For web browser

Using the camera on the smartphone, the following Navilens and Zapvision codes below will provide a link to launch Eyeware Lite in the mobile browser.

URL: eyeware.arweb.app

By downloading and using RNIB Eyeware , you agree to our End User License Agreement (EULA).

Device minimum requirements

Eyeware has been designed to work on iPhone and Android devices, so it will work on most modern smartphones.

For example, android devices such as the Galaxy devices from 2019 onwards:

- Samsung Galaxy S10 (lowest baseline performance)

- Samsung S20/S21/S22/S23 have better performance.

- Google Pixel 4 (baseline performance).

It also works on iPhones:

The following devices will be powerful enough to run the app:

- iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone X/XS/XR (baseline performance).

- iPhone 11 and newer devices perform adequately.

Any device older than the iPhone X/XS/XR will not be powerful enough to run the app.

Click here for full device minimum requirements

Features:

  • Experience what it’s like to live with 10 of the most common eye conditions. Tailor your experience by selecting different levels of severity for each eye condition.
  • RNIB Eyeware can be accessed via smart phone and can be used in a simple VR headset viewer (such as Google Cardboard) for a more immersive experience
  • Gain insight into the challenges individuals with sight loss may encounter when completing everyday tasks.
  • Experience the challenges people with sight loss encounter when getting around through 360-degree video

Who can use RNIB Eyeware?

All members of the public can access RNIB Eyeware. Whether you’re a caregiver who wants to enhance your understanding to better support loved ones or patients, or you’re a professional looking for a deeper understanding of how people with sight loss access your services and products, RNIB Eyeware is the tool for fostering empathy and understanding through immersive technology.

How does RNIB Eyeware work?

RNIB Eyeware works by applying filters over your smartphone’s camera feed. When you combine this with a virtual reality headset (VR) such as the Google Cardboard, you can experience your surroundings in an immersive and empathetic way.

By simply selecting a sight condition from those available, the corresponding filter is applied to your vision through the camera. You can now look at anything around you and experience what it might be like to live with that eye condition.

Why RNIB Eyeware?

Developed in collaboration with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), funds for RNIB Eyeware were raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Care Trust.

Privacy policy

Contact us

For any questions and enquiries please contact [email protected]