Dr. Patricia Bath was a pioneering African American ophthalmologist and inventor. She was the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent for her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, a device used during cataract surgery to remove cataracts with more precision and less pain for patients.

Dr. Bath was born on November 4, 1942, in Harlem, New York City. She faced many challenges as a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine during a time when discrimination and sexism were prevalent in the field. Despite these obstacles, she went on to make significant contributions to the medical field and improve the lives of countless individuals through her innovative surgical techniques.

In addition to her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, Dr. Bath was also a champion for health equity and worked tirelessly to provide eye care to underserved communities. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness to address the issue of preventable blindness, particularly among minority and low-income populations.

Dr. Patricia Bath's groundbreaking work in the field of ophthalmology and her commitment to improving access to eye care have left a lasting impact on the medical community and serve as an inspiration to aspiring Black medical professionals. She passed away on May 30, 2019, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations of doctors and inventors.