This Black History Month, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Patricia Era Bath — ophthalmologist, research scientist, inventor, and humanitarian.
Born November 4, 1942, in Harlem, New York, Dr. Bath became a trailblazer in medicine and medical innovation. She was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology (1973) and the first African American female physician to receive a medical patent.
In 1986, Dr. Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a revolutionary device that uses laser technology to remove cataracts with greater precision and less pain. She received U.S. Patent No. 4,744,360 in 1988. Her invention has been used worldwide and is credited with restoring or improving the vision of millions.
Dr. Bath held five U.S. patents, three of which are directly related to the Laserphaco Probe. Her groundbreaking work transformed cataract surgery and expanded access to sight-saving treatment across the globe.
Beyond innovation, Dr. Bath was deeply committed to health equity. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness (AIPB) in 1977, championing the belief that “eyesight is a basic human right.” She also pioneered the field of community ophthalmology, combining public health and medicine to reach underserved communities.
Her barrier-breaking career included becoming the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program (1983) and the first female faculty member in UCLA’s Department of Ophthalmology. In 1993, she was named the Howard University Pioneer in Academic Medicine.
Dr. Patricia Era Bath passed away on May 30, 2019, but her legacy lives on through every life touched by her work.
Thank you, Dr. Bath, for your brilliance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to humanity. Your vision continues to light the way.
Celebrating Black History Month.
