Dr. Basak: Professor with Vision Loss Continues International Work Advancing Cancer Biology

Dr. Basak is a retired professor of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is also a former President of the International Society for Mathematical Chemistry.

Dr. Basak continues to participate in global conferences and research, including research that could have implications for Computer-Aided Drug Design and Cancer Biology.

Due to diabetic retinopathy, however, Dr. Basak was struggling to read, use the computer, log into Zoom meetings, or even grocery shop. He speaks and reads multiple languages. Access to the computer and written word – in multiple languages – is especially important to him.

Lighthouse professionals taught Dr. Basak to use the “Seeing AI” app on his phone that can read written text aloud, even handwritten text. They trained him how to use built-in accessibility features on his computer to increase text size, change color contrast, and read text aloud. The Lighthouse did a lighting and magnification assessment and recommended specific lighting and magnifiers for his vision. Proper lighting (which varies for different people) can make a huge difference in ability to read. Lighthouse professionals also set up a translator app that can recognize text in different languages and read the text to him.

Dr. Basak can now successfully use his computer with much less frustration or difficulty. He is using Seeing AI and Google Translate to read handwriting and printed text from books, labels at grocery stores, mail, and more. He uses the magnifier app on his phone to read pill bottles or price tags.

Since completion of services, Lighthouse staff have seen Dr. Basak perusing the grocery store with phone in hand, shopping independently.