:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PatriciaBath-44f90e55d33142228e93be735da93814.jpg)
Dr. Patricia Bath, a medical pioneer whose groundbreaking invention transformed eye care and restored sight to millions.
A Trailblazer in Medicine:
Born in 1942 in Harlem, New York, Dr. Patricia Bath was not only a brilliant scientist but also a changemaker who shattered racial and gender barriers in medicine. At a time when Black women faced systemic discrimination, she became the first African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent.
Born in 1942 in Harlem, New York, Dr. Patricia Bath was not only a brilliant scientist but also a changemaker who shattered racial and gender barriers in medicine. At a time when Black women faced systemic discrimination, she became the first African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent.
Her work wasn’t just about innovation—it was about equity in healthcare. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, ensuring that underserved communities had access to quality eye care.
Revolutionising Eye Surgery: The Laserphaco Probe
Dr. Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe In 1986, a device that used laser technology to perform less invasive, highly effective cataract surgery. This innovation allowed patients—many of whom had been blind for years—to regain their sight. Her work continues to save and improve lives worldwide.
Dr. Bath’s story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and impact. She didn’t just break barriers, she built pathways for others to follow. Her legacy serves as a beacon of Black excellence in STEM, inspiring future generations of Black scientists, doctors, and innovators.
For us, Black History Month is a chance to celebrate the lives of those who came before us and whose courage and innovation changed the world. One such innovator is Dr. Patricia Bath—a visionary whose contributions prove that Black history is world history.
