1988 - Dr. Patricia E. Bath, a remowned opthalmologist and inventor, patents Laserphaco Probe on this day.

On May 17, 1988, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, a pioneering ophthalmologist and inventor, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 4,744,360 for her invention of the Laserphaco Probe—a groundbreaking medical device that revolutionized cataract surgery. This achievement made her the first African American woman physician to receive a patent for a medical purpose .?Best Cataract Surgeons In America

The Laserphaco Probe utilizes laser technology to precisely and painlessly dissolve cataracts through a minimally invasive 1-millimeter incision. After removing the cataract, the device allows for the insertion of a replacement lens, significantly improving the safety and effectiveness of cataract procedures .?Wikipedia

Dr. Bath’s innovation has had a profound global impact, restoring or improving vision for millions of individuals worldwide . Beyond her technical contributions, she was a passionate advocate for equitable access to eye care, co-founding the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1976. Her work has inspired generations of medical professionals and continues to influence the field of ophthalmology today.