Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts Episode: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Vision Loss
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Ricky Enger
Guests: Steve Kelly and Eric Boklage

In the July 3, 2025 episode of Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts, host Ricky Enger delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and vision loss. Joining him are Steve Kelly, a Practical Help Specialist at Hadley, and Eric Boklage, a Certified Vision Rehab Therapist and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist at Second Sense in Metro Chicago. The trio explores various technological tools designed to assist individuals with vision impairment, discussing their functionalities, applications in daily tasks, and personal experiences using them.

1. Introduction to Assistive Technologies

Ricky Enger sets the stage by highlighting the challenge of selecting the right technological tool from a myriad of options available to those with vision loss. He emphasizes the dual perspective of the guests, who not only assist others but also personally navigate vision impairment.

Ricky Enger [00:01]:
"When you're using technology to get things done, it can be hard to know which tool to pull out of the toolbox."

2. Overview of Featured Tools

The discussion begins with a concise introduction to four key assistive technologies:

a. Seeing AI

Steve Kelly [03:16]:
"Seeing AI is an app that's made by Microsoft. It's available for both Android and the iPhone or iPad. And basically, it will read what it sees... It does some object identification based on artificial intelligence AI."

Seeing AI leverages AI to read text, recognize objects, and identify labels through a smartphone camera, making it a versatile tool for various tasks.

b. Be My Eyes

Eric Boklage [03:46]:
"Be My Eyes is also an app that's available on both the Android and Apple platforms. It uses the camera on the phone to allow you to interact with what's around you... they've also added an AI function to it."

Originally designed to connect users with sighted volunteers for assistance, Be My Eyes now incorporates AI functionalities to enhance user support.

c. Aira

Ricky Enger [04:05]:
"Aira is also an option that can use your camera... the human portion of AIRA is a paid version and the AI version is free."

Aira distinguishes itself by providing access to trained professionals for real-time assistance, complementing its AI-driven features with reliable human support.

d. Meta Glasses

Steve Kelly [05:34]:
"They're Ray-Ban glasses with a camera and speakers. Designed by Meta for users to take pictures and listen to various things... they can describe a scene in front of you using AI."

Originally not intended for vision-impaired users, Meta Glasses offer hands-free access to Be My Eyes and Aira, allowing for seamless integration of assistance services.

3. Choosing the Right Tool: User-Dependent Factors

The experts stress that selecting an appropriate tool is highly individualistic, contingent on the specific needs and residual vision capabilities of each user.

Eric Boklage [08:20]:
"One of the key things is that it's user dependent. So each person's vision loss is their own and how they need supports and assistance is different from the next person."

Ricky emphasizes the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution, advocating for personalized experimentation to determine the most effective tool.

Ricky Enger [09:14]:
"There's one right answer for you. So that's why I think it's helpful to explore this... trying them in your own environment and seeing what you prefer."

4. Applying Tools to Daily Tasks

The trio examines practical applications of these tools across various everyday scenarios:

a. Sorting the Mail

Steve Kelly [10:32]:
"My go-to is a 5x Bausch and Lomb slide magnifier... When that doesn't work, I use Seeing AI or Google Lookout to have it read it to me."

Eric Boklage [11:11]:
"I really like being able to use the Seeing AI read function, so it would just read any kind of print that was in a short, concise form."

Ricky Enger [11:58]:
"Seeing AI wins this one for me."

b. Reading Important Documents

Eric Boklage [12:53]:
"Seeing AI has an OCR component... it guides you on how to position the camera to capture the entire document, even multiple pages."

Steve Kelly [13:54]:
"I'll try magnifiers first, but ultimately, I'll use Seeing AI when other methods fall short."

c. Finding Dropped Items

Ricky Enger [14:51]:
"Be My Eyes is the perfect way to involve a human assistant for finding dropped items."

Steve Kelly [15:23]:
"Be My Eyes has been super helpful for getting cardinal directions from volunteers."

d. Reading Product Directions

Ricky Enger [21:10]:
"I would much rather have the assistance of a human through Be My Eyes or Aira to read complex instructions."

Eric Boklage [23:23]:
"Packaging often includes pictographs which AI struggles to interpret, making human assistance more reliable."

e. Reading Menus in Restaurants

Eric Boklage [25:20]:
"If there's residual vision, I recommend a magnifier app with adjustable features for better readability."

f. Shopping/Grocery Trips

Steve Kelly [26:55]:
"Grocery shopping is challenging alone; Seeing AI helps in comparing products, but human assistance is often necessary in unfamiliar stores."

Ricky Enger [29:56]:
"Meta Glasses, paired with Aira, offer efficient, hands-free assistance tailored for quick shopping tasks."

g. Identifying Currency

Ricky Enger [32:24]:
"Seeing AI is the preferred tool for identifying currency due to its specific functionality."

h. Describing Objects

Eric Boklage [34:11]:
"Be My Eyes offers more detailed and robust descriptions compared to Seeing AI, especially for verifying colors and matching items."

Ricky Enger [36:30]:
"Be My Eyes allows for extended interaction without the pressure of a human assistant getting tired."

5. Overcoming Social and Emotional Challenges

The conversation acknowledges the emotional aspect of relying on technology and human assistance, addressing concerns about burdening others and self-esteem.

Steve Kelly [18:49]:
"Asking family members repeatedly can wear on them, highlighting the importance of having alternative options."

Ricky Enger [39:33]:
"Don't let it steal your self-esteem. It's okay to figure out your own way."

Steve Kelly [39:58]:
"It's different than it was 15 or 20 years ago. Relax, take a breath, and don't let it affect your self-esteem."

6. Final Recommendations and Encouragement

The experts conclude with advice for users feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of available tools, emphasizing experimentation and adaptability.

Eric Boklage [38:55]:
"Try any or all of these tools in a stress-free environment to see which one you’re comfortable with."

Steve Kelly [39:58]:
"Don’t let one experience cause you to walk away. These tools are evolving, and your preferences may change over time."

Ricky Enger [42:22]:
"There isn't one magic tool that solves all practical challenges. Knowing about multiple tools allows you to pick the right one for each situation."

Both Steve and Eric encourage users to remain open to evolving technologies, as AI and assistive devices continue to improve and expand their capabilities.

7. Closing Thoughts

Ricky Enger wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of understanding and utilizing various assistive technologies to enhance independence and efficiency for individuals with vision loss. He invites listeners to reach out to Hadley for further assistance and support.

Ricky Enger [42:46]:
"Things are constantly changing. Great point. Thank you both so much. This has been such an informative discussion."

Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences and seek guidance to navigate the ever-growing landscape of assistive technologies.

This episode of Hadley Presents serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals navigating vision loss, offering insights into how AI-driven tools can be effectively integrated into daily life to foster greater independence and confidence.