Expert to Discuss Prosthetic Vision at 11th Annual Sowell Center Lecture Series

The College of Education will host a senior principal scientist from Second Sight Media Products as part of the Sowell Center Distinguished Lecturer Series.  Matt McMahon will speak about prosthetic vision 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 7.  Prosthetic vision is a medical breakthrough that opens up new possibilities for sight, providing independence to people with certain types of retinal disorders. Matt McMahon is senior principal scientist at Second Sight Medical Products, a company founded in 1998 to create a retinal prosthesis providing sight to patients blinded from outer retinal degenerations, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Macular Degeneration. His background in vision science has included research in visual psychophysics, retinal imaging and retinal physiology. Prosthetic vision is making an impact on the fields of medicine, neurology, rehabilitation, and education. Medical professionals, students, educators and leaders in adult rehabilitation are welcome to come and learn about a prosthesis. The lecture series allows professionals working with the visually impaired, hearing impaired or deafblind to continue education in the field and stay current with emerging research, technology and teaching trends. The lecture is hosted by the Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education for Visual Impairment.