Dr. Patricia Bath

Born in Harlem, Dr. Patricia Bath built her most groundbreaking work at UCLA, becoming the first Black woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first Black female doctor to receive a medical patent. Her invention, the Laserphaco Probe, revolutionized cataract surgery and restored sight to patients blind for decades. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, dedicating her life to making eye care a universal human right.

Quick Facts

• Born: November 4, 1942 — New York, NY; career built at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
• First Black woman to receive a medical patent (1988)
• Inventor of the Laserphaco Probe
• First Black female ophthalmology resident in U.S. history
• Co-founder, American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness