Dr. Patricia Bath: Black History Scrapbook
Dr. Patricia Bath
African American Inventor
Born: Nov. 4th, 1942
Dr. Patricia Bath has dedicated her life to the treatment and prevention of visual impairments. Her personal belief that everyone has the “Right to Sight” led to her inventing the Laserphaco Probe. The patent that she received for this invention made her the first African American woman to receive a patent for a medical device. This device is a specialized tool and procedure that is used to remove cataracts. The Laserphaco Probe significantly increased the accuracy and results of cataract surgery, which had previously been performed manually with a mechanical grinder.
Dr. Bath has also given back to the community via several initiatives. She created community ophthalmology. This new discipline places emphasis on making basic eye care available to underserved segments of the population. It incorporates elements of health care, community medicine and clinical ophthalmology.
She also co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness with three colleagues. The Institute’s basic objective is to protect, preserve and restore sight. Below you will find various resources where you can learn more about Dr. Patricia Bath and the Laserphaco Probe.
Additional Resources
American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness
Famous Black Inventors: Dr. Patricia Bath
International African Inventors Museum: Dr. Patricia Bath
MIT: Inventor of the Week: Dr. Patricia Bath
