Dr. Patricia Bath

Dr. Patricia Bath was a pioneering ophthalmologist and innovator who revolutionized eye care. She was the first Black woman to receive a medical patent, for a device she developed to treat cataracts, which cloud the eye's lens. She co-founded the National Medical Association’s program for underserved communities and dedicated her career to advancing laser surgery and improving access to eye health. Dr. Bath’s work significantly improved vision for many and broke barriers in medicine, highlighting her as an influential advocate for both medical innovation and equitable healthcare.