eSight, Be My Eyes announce sweepstakes winner

eSight’s latest iteration of the device, eSight 4, is an all-in-one wearable device for people with central vison loss.

Vision-enhancement platform eSight and Be My Eyes, a community-based virtual assistance platform, today announce the recipient of their eSight 4 device sweepstakes.

According to a news release, Shana Newton, a college student from Eugene, Oregon, can now return to class unimpeded by her visual acuity after being selected as a winner in Be My Eyes’ drawing for eSight’s life-changing eyewear.

Between May 17, 2021, and June 7, 2021, Be My Eyes’ podcast announced a secret URL for qualified listeners to enter a drawing for a chance to win an eSight 4 device of their own. When Be My Eyes contacted Newton about her awarded unit, eSight engaged Shana via the eSight TeleHealth Program to coach her on the use of the device specifically for her specific visual needs. Now, she doesn’t have to worry about her vision in the grocery store, school and more.

“I can just worry about enjoying my time and whatever I’m doing,” Newton said in a statement. “Convenience is the key here. It’s an all-in-one and I can take it wherever I go.”

Born with a genetic mutation causing ocular albinism and nystagmus, Newton was diagnosed after realizing her visual acuity limited her ability to navigate her environment. Not being able to focus on small text or see chalkboards in the classroom was time consuming and exhausting, and she had difficulty navigating her campus and surroundings.

eSight’s latest iteration of the device, eSight 4, is a versatile and advanced all-in-one wearable device for people with central vison loss. It houses a high-speed, high-definition camera that captures everything the wearer is looking at. Advanced, clinically validated algorithms optimize and enhance the footage, which is then presented on two near-to-eye screens in real time with extreme clarity. eSight 4 maintains use of the wearer’s remaining peripheral vision, allowing the user to stay mobile to facilitate normal activities of daily living.

Newton tested her eSight 4 and the visual difference was immediate. “This type of technology opens up so many doors for people like me that wouldn’t exist otherwise,” said Newton. “eSight 4 allows me to live life the way I want without worrying.”

“Our mission and that of Be My Eyes are perfectly aligned; together, we’re working to create technology to provide life-changing experiences for individuals with vision impairment,” Brian McCollum, chief commercial officer of eSight, said in the news release. “Shana is a perfect candidate for our device, and we can’t wait to see what she can accomplish in college and beyond.”

The Be My Eyes’ community acts as a global resource and volunteer network offering services and insight. For those seeking assistance with everyday tasks, Be My Eyes offers a free mobile application wherein those with low vision to connect with one of over five million volunteers through a live video connection to accomplish a variety of tasks. Accessible in over 180 languages, they’re the largest online community for blind and low-vision people, as well as one of the largest micro-volunteering platforms in the world.