Heritage Highlights

Dr. Patricia E. Bath received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. During her ophthalmology residency at the New York University School of Medicine, she discovered that African American patients had twice the rate of blindness when compared to white patients. After becoming the first African American to complete the residency, Dr. Bath created the idea of community ophthalmology and worked to end inequality in vision care.

Among her greatest achievements includes the invention of a device for cataract surgery known as the laserphaco probe. Additionally, she was the first woman ophthalmologist appointed to the faculty of the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine Jules Stein Eye Institute.

Dr. Bath cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness through programs designed to protect, preserve, and restore vision.

To learn about other Black pioneers in healthcare, please read the article African American Medical Pioneers.

Source: nih.gov

About Heritage Highlights:

“Heritage Highlights” is a series of e-blasts, news articles, and social media posts that highlight heritage months and events reflective of the AIMS Education campus, surrounding community, country, and world! They will provide a greater awareness of the origin/significance of many cultural events and celebrations as well as highlight group contributions to the field of healthcare!