Emphasis: Contact lenses, Ocular surface disease, Providing care to underserved LGBTQ+ community
Accreditations: Board certified in optometry by the American Board of Optometry, Member of VOSH Board of Directors
Having been an orthokeratology contact lens patient since age eight, Dr. Michael’s career in optics began with an office assistant position when he was fifteen years old. Michael graduated cum laude from Augustana College as a triple major in biology, pre-med, and Spanish. Combining his interests, he spent several months studying in Arequipa, Peru. Later, he went on to the Illinois College of Optometry where he again graduated cum laude and did his graduate thesis on HIV and contact lens wear. Areas of specialty include specialty contact lenses, ocular surface disease, and providing care to LGBTQ+ patients in need. His local philanthropy is highlighted by his work with Howard Brown Health Center, an organization with a mission to promote health and wellness to underserved LGBTQ+ patients in Chicago. Michael is part of a dedicated group of doctors who provide consultation services to the contact lens industry, bringing new technologies to the marketplace. He has also been published in Optometric Management Magazine.
Dr. Michael’s experience with VOSH began five years ago on a trip to Barranquilla Colombia. Immediately moved by the experience and the direct impact on the community, he has now been on five trips including Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Mexico. He was welcomed into the VOSH Board of Directors in 2016.
