Patricia Bath ’64

Dr. Patricia E. Bath, the first black female doctor to receive a medical patent and a pioneer in the field of eye surgery, died on May 30 at age 76.

Dr. Bath’s historic patent was awarded in 1988 for the Laserphaco Probe, a laser device used to remove cataracts from eyes, which she had invented two years earlier. Thirty years after its invention, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said the Laserphaco Probe “helped restore or improve vision to millions of patients worldwide.” Dr. Bath subsequently earned four other patents for different cataract-removal methods, including one using ultrasound.

Dr. Bath also created UCLA’s keratoprosthesis corneal treatment program– making her one of the first ophthalmologists to use artificial devices to replace diseased corneas.

As a Hunter student in the 60’s, she was a leader in the civil rights movement and an academic standout, majoring in chemistry with minors in math and physics.

When she was inducted into the Hunter Hall of Fame in 2017, Dr. Bath said her college experience provided the foundation for all she would later accomplish.

After graduation, she became the first black American to complete an ophthalmology residency at NYU, and the first woman ophthalmologist to join the faculty of the UCLA School of Medicine’s Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Throughout her life, Dr. Bath was a strong advocate for accessible, quality health care in underserved communities. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness and reached across continents to uphold its motto “Eyesight is a basic human right.”

Dr. Bath’s interest in science was sparked early when her mother gave her a chemistry set; she would go on to become a vocal and influential supporter of science and math education for girls, working to remove the barriers that separate talented and innovative young scientists from opportunities and acclaim.

In honor of her memory, Hunter College in partnership with Dr. Bath’s family is establishing the Dr. Patricia Bath Scholarship Fund, which will support students with financial need who are pursuing studies in the health sciences.