Patricia Bath: Pioneer in Ophthalmology

Patricia Bath: Pioneer in Ophthalmology

• Pioneer in ophthalmology, inventor, laser scientist, made advancements in preventing blindness.
• Graduated from Howard University in 1968 and earned a medical degree.
• Completed residency in ophthalmology at New York University.
• Studied corneal transplantation and keratoprosthesis at Columbia University.
• Became associate professor of surgery and ophthalmology at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University.
• Co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, advocating for eyesight as a basic human right.
• Launched "community ophthalmology" to provide primary care in underserved areas.
• Invented the Laserphaco Probe in 1986, enabling precise cataract removal.
• Lectured widely and promoted advanced ophthalmologic techniques.
• Provided sight-saving treatments in developing nations.
• First female ophthalmologist at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute.
• Became first US woman to direct an ophthalmology residency program in 1983.
• Patented her invention in 1988 for the Laserphaco probe, which she created in 1986.

Key Achievements

• First African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology at New York University.
• First female ophthalmologist at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute, in 1975
• Developed the Laserphaco Probe, patented in 1988.
• Established first ophthalmology residency program for women in the USA, in 1983.

Milestones

• Accepted position as first female ophthalmologist at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute in 1975.
• Developed the Laserphaco Probe in 1986, a patented invention.
• Became the first US woman who established and directed an ophthalmology residency training program in 1983.