Dr. Patricia E. Bath Invented the Laserphaco Probe to Treat Cataracts
As a pioneering African American ophthalmologist and inventor, Dr. Patricia E. Bath made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Born in 1942, she became the first African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology. She was also the first African American female doctor to receive a patent for a medical purpose. With her innovative spirit, she invented the Laserphaco Probe. This revolutionized the field of cataract surgery. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Bath passionately dedicated herself to increasing access to quality eye care for all. (Particularly those in underserved communities.) She received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of ophthalmology. Sadly, she passed away in 2019. But her legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals and inventors.
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14 Black Inventors You Probably Didn’t Know About. Pamela Rosario Pérez. Think Growth. 2017.
8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier. Thaddeus Morgan. History. 2019.
No, a Black man didn’t invent the light bulb. But Lewis Howard Latimer made it better. Leah Asmelash.CNN. 2020.
15 African-American Inventors to Remember This Black History Month and Beyond. Oprah Daily. 2023.