A Review of AI-Powered Tools to Help People With Visual Impairments

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce ECHOEYES - a computer vision- based assistive device for the blind. The system fuses computer vision for object and scene recognition, Optical Character Recognition for text identification and presents real time, context aware auditory feedback using Natural Language Processing. Although several tools such as Envision AI, Google Lookout, and Microsoft Seeing AI exist, they typically focus on limited capabilities such as text reading or object detection. ECHOEYES addresses this gap by offering a low‑cost, multi‑capability platform that combines navigation assistance, text reading, currency identification, familiar‑face recognition,
and emergency communication in one system. The device is lightweight, low‑power, and cost‑effective, making it accessible to a wider population. This paper outlines the system architecture, highlights research gaps in existing tools, and discusses how ECHOEYES can evolve into a comprehensive assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.