Vision Australia and US-based start-up Aira have launched a new app to link vision-impaired people in New Zealand and Australia with people who can be their “eyes”.

Blind or low-vision users, who Aira terms “explorers”, wear smart glasses or use a smart phone that beams live stream footage. Aira connects these explorers to a trained professional who can help with tasks including navigating the built environment, colour matching clothes, reading a whiteboard, navigating a worksite, and travelling with confidence.

“Aira promotes greater independence and access for people who are blind or have low vision because you get immediate assistance for almost anything you want to do without a sighted person nearby. It is access to information, anytime, anywhere,” says Aira vice president Kevin Phelan. “We’ve partnered with Vision Australia because they’re the leading national provider of services to people who are blind or have low vision and are a great fit for us in the Australian and New Zealand market.”

Vision Australia manager government relations Chris Edwards said, “We know this technology can assist people who are blind to experience a more accessible environment when out and about, particularly in busy areas such as airports, train stations and shopping centres. “We hope that from here, businesses and Governments committed to providing safe environments will partner with Aira and Vision Australia to sponsor this vital service in their own building, centres and communities, making it accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.”

Explorers, or users of the technology, who download Aira will be able to use the service from 9am to 3pm, seven days a week.

Explorers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play using the code VisionAustralia. For $89, explorers will receive 100 minutes of use and glasses can be purchased separately.