Dr. Patricia Era Bath was born on November 4^th, 1942 in New York City. Her father, Rupert, was the first Black motorman for the subway system, and her mother, Gladys, was a housewife. Patricia was always interested in science, particularly biology. In 1959, at a high school summer program, Patricia attended a cancer research workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation. It was at this foundation that she came up with a way to mathematically predict cancer cell growth. She was awarded a Merit award and went on to continue her studies in science.

When she graduated high school, Patricia went to Hunter College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964. After this, she obtained her medical degree from Howard University and accepted an internship at Harlem Hospital. During her internship, she noticed that Black patients suffered more often from preventable blindness and visual impairments, and were eight times more likely to develop glaucoma simply because they did not have the same access to eye care. This inspired her to develop a new field, community ophthalmology (a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders), and co-found the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which established that “eyesight is a basic human right.” She wanted to ensure that everyone had equal access to affordable eye treatment.

In 1975, she became the first woman to join the staff at the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute. She began to work with patients diagnosed with cataracts, which are cloudy or opaque areas of the lens in the eye, that, if left untreated, lead to blindness. This inspired her new surgical technique, and in 1981, she began to work on her most well-known invention, the Laserphaco Probe. This probe used laser technology to treat cataracts more precisely and less painfully.

With her Laserphaco Probe, she was able to restore the sight of individuals who had been blind for more than 30 years. The device was used worldwide to improve the vision of millions of people.

On May 30^th, 2019, Patricia passed away from complications due to cancer. In 2021, she was welcomed into the International Women in Medicine Hall of Fame and, in 2022, she was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Additionally, in March of 2024, she joined the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Patricia Bath’s work and advocacy have not only advanced medical technology but also brought attention to the importance of accessible and equitable healthcare.