Patricia Bath

Did you know one woman invented a tool that helped millions see again? Meet Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019). She was an American eye doctor and inventor who worked in the late 1900s and early 2000s. Her biggest accomplishment was creating a laser device that made removing cataracts safer and more precise.

A cataract is when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy—like a foggy window that makes everything blurry. Before Dr. Bath’s idea, removing cataracts took longer and could be risky. She designed the Laserphaco Probe, a tool that uses a focused laser to remove the cloudy lens gently. That made surgeries quicker, cleaner, and opened the door for more people to get sight-restoring care.

Dr. Bath earned a patent for her invention and is celebrated as the first African-American woman to receive a medical patent. She also co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness to bring eye care to people who might not otherwise get it. Because of her work, surgeons around the world learned safer ways to treat cataracts and more people regained their sight. Her story shows that curiosity, science, and caring for others can fix big problems. If you like solving puzzles and helping people, remember Dr. Patricia Bath—maybe your idea will change someone's life too!