Marshall Flax, CLVT, COMS, will be delivering a lecture on health care in the blind and visually impaired communities at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Health Care in Diverse Communities course on the evening of February 4. Flax will be joined by three visually impaired colleagues who will share their personal stories and passions. The class is made up of primarily first year medical students, along with nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy doctoral candidates.

Last year’s students described the course as one of the most important and meaningful classes in their training. They recounted experiences of trying on goggles to mimic visual loss and wearing headphones to mimic auditory hallucinations. They were touched by instances of prejudices that were described and felt inspired to apply the lessons to the patients they care for.

About Marshall Flax

Flax worked for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired for 24 years as a Certified Low Vision Therapist and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist before retiring in 2014. His work included providing low vision services and orientation and mobility services to people who have lost or are losing their sight. He continues to provide O&M services and to make and sell low vision simulators through his company, Fork in the Road Vision Rehabilitation Services.