My next guest, 63 year old Mustafa,
was born with eye conditions that left him nearly blind
but he never let that stop him.
In fact, Mustafa is an acclaimed chef
who works in a highly competitive restaurant field.
Now how can he possibly cook when his vision is impaired?
Well, here's his story.
I cook with my hands and my hands tell me what I'm doing.
In the beginning it was very hard
because people didn't wanna hire me because I was blind.
My family shows me a great deal of love.
They have become my eyes.
One day I was getting an exam and the ophthalmologist
says, "Can you use this?"
OrCam has changed my work habits.
Parsley flakes.
It gave me a sense of independence.
He's able to go grocery shopping.
He's able to actually read ingredients.
It is giving him his freedom.
Total fat 1.59--
A cook heats up food, but I create food.
(audience clapping)
Well joining me are Mustafa and OrCam consultant
Elizabeth Evans, now thank you both for being here.
(audience clapping)
Mustafa, I understand that you were born
with congenital glaucoma and cataracts.
Did you have any medical treatments as a child?
Yes I certainly did, I've had several operations
on my eyes but that didn't work too long.
My eyes began to get worse until we were able
to stabilize them.
So what is your vision like today?
I am able to see the outline of you.
I can't see to read.
I rely heavily on my other senses.
And you have four daughters
and you've never seen them, right?
No, so I began to use my ears as my eyes.
Until they start arguing then
I can figure out which one is which.
(audience laughs)
So tell me about OrCam MyEye device.
The OrCam MyEye device has helped me tremendously
with my disability and helps me take care
of my family, perform my job to the best of my ability,
at a job that I love.
Yeah, and that job that you love is cooking.
So how long have you been a chef?
I've been a chef for about 30 to 35 years.
Really? (audience clapping)
You know, Elizabeth, what exactly is the OrCam MyEye
and how does it work?
The OrCam MyEye is an assistive technology device
that is currently being used by tens of thousands
of blind and visually impaired people.
It allows them to continue to work and study
and live fuller, more independent lives.
It is the world's most advanced
wearable artificial vision device.
It's as small as your finger
and attaches to any pair of eyeglasses.
It instantly takes a picture of the text in front of you,
reads it out loud in real time, allowing the user
to continue to use their hands to do their job.
All you do is point.
It's so easy to operate that anyone can use it.
So Mustafa, I understand that
you use your OrCam MyEye to read recipes.
I'd love to see how it works.
I take my recipe, put it in front, hold it up,
I point, move my hand.
Salsa rice recipe in a sauce pan.
Boil 1.5 cups of water and 1.5 cups of chunky salsa.
Stir in two cups uncooked instant rice.
Remove from heat, let stand for five minutes.
Stir in one cup shredded Monterey jack cheese,
until cheese is melted.
(audience clapping)
I'm just trying to imagine what life changing way this is
for people that otherwise would be complete,
have that in their hand and have no way
to translate what's on the page.
I understand that MyEye also allows
you to recognize a product.
I'm holding a product, can you tell me what it is?
Yes I can.
Fruit Colored-Os cereal.
(audience clapping)
Dr. Phil, Mustafa was able to recognize
the cereal product because he had previously programmed
it by taking a picture and it stores it in the OrCam device.
It also can read barcodes.
So Mustafa, what is this OrCam MyEye meant to you?
Wow, it's been a great life changer for me.
It's given him his independence and it's ideal for work,
which is why OrCam is funded by some of the vocational
rehabilitation agencies across the country.
Wow, it's truly impressive.
Look, if you or someone you know is blind
or visually impaired and is interested in purchasing
an OrCam MyEye, for the next seven days
you can save $500 with a special discount
and gift package available only to Dr. Phil viewers
and it's so easy to get this great discount.
You just go to orcam.com, click on get coupon,
then just enter the code DrPhil.
Now again the code is DrPhil, and we've put that together
because I'm obviously very impressed
with this technology.
I'm just so taken with this because I know
what a difference it makes for people
so I'd like to thank all of my guests today,
and a special thanks to Elizabeth Evans and OrCam,
and to Mustafa, thank you so much
for sharing your inspiring story.