Frustrations of the blind and visually impaired
Visual impairment is often called an “information disability,” underlining the consequential difficulty in accessing essential information.
For example, even if someone who wants to purchase some ice cream is already in front of a convenience store, they may not necessarily be able to find the entrance easily. Once inside, they might still need assistance to know what kinds and flavors are in front of them.
As the part of Sompo Group that focuses on providing assistance services to different sectors, our desire to build a society where everyone can follow their senses freely is what led Prime Assistance to develop Eyeco Support.
Combining digital technology with human support
When a user launches the Eyeco Support smartphone app, they are connected to a remote operator who can track their location and use the live camera feed to guide the user in real time around their surroundings.
I feel safe knowing my personal information is fully protected.
User feedback
Eyeco Support helps users navigate daily challenges, and not just with getting directions when lost or reading product details while shopping, but also in situations where individuals may hesitate to ask others for help. Such cases include grooming checks before going out, summarizing government-issued paperwork, or reviewing bank statements or bankbooks.
The service is also proving useful in creating more inclusive workplaces. For instance, visually impaired employees commonly use screen-reading software to navigate documents and emails, but some websites and layouts remain inaccessible. So Eyeco Support helps fill these gaps without users feeling guilty with bothering busy colleagues for help.
I used to feel like I was always burdening those around me. But now I can do so much more on my own, and that’s greatly boosted my confidence.
User feedback
The value of spontaneous decisions in everyday life
My inspiration for developing this service came from the words of a friend and now colleague who is visually impaired.
“I don’t know how many years it’s been since I’ve gone out on a whim, without preparing so much in advance.”
Even the visually impaired trained in mobility techniques who are used to going out alone still need a bit of help sometimes—like checking product labels or leisurely choosing items when shopping. In addition, official “mobility assistance” services usually require advance reservations, making them unsuitable for spontaneous needs.
My quality of life has absolutely improved!
User feedback
This reality shows a strong latent demand for easily accessible, remote support services among visually impaired people who want to be able to go out more freely and casually.
Building a society where everyone can thrive
Launched for individual users in 2021, Eyeco Support expanded to corporate and municipal government clients in 2023.
It continues to attract attention from companies across Japan, having since been adopted by companies like Shiseido who are actively recruiting people with disabilities. It has also gone into partnerships like with walking-navigation system Ashirase.
Tottori in western Japan now offers Eyeco Support across the entire prefecture. In Atsugi City, southwest of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture, visually impaired residents can take advantage of the service introduced through a group subscription plan arranged with the city. These examples mark a growing trend of serious adoption by local governments.
Striving “for a future of health, wellbeing and financial protection,” Prime Assistance is committed to contributing to a society where anyone, regardless of disability, can fully and freely express themselves and pursue their goals.
