Dr. Patricia Era Bath

1942–2019

What Patricia contributed

Invented and patented a laser-based device and method for removing cataracts.

The story

Bath was an ophthalmologist, researcher, and co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. She was the first Black woman physician to receive a medical patent.

Why it matters

Her work advanced eye surgery and helped restore sight to patients.

Patent record
U.S. Patent 4,744,360