Dr. David Paton, the visionary ophthalmologist who founded the Flying Eye Hospital, has passed away at the age of 94. Paton, driven by a deep commitment to eradicating preventable blindness, conceived of a groundbreaking solution: a fully equipped operating room housed within an airplane. This mobile hospital allowed him and his team to travel to remote and underserved areas, providing life-changing eye care to those who otherwise would not have access.
Paton's Flying Eye Hospital transformed the landscape of global ophthalmology. By bringing advanced surgical techniques and training directly to local medical professionals, he fostered sustainable improvements in eye care infrastructure. The organization he founded, Orbis International, continues to operate the Flying Eye Hospital today, carrying on his mission of preventing and treating blindness worldwide.
Beyond his work with the Flying Eye Hospital, Paton was a respected figure in the field of ophthalmology. He made significant contributions to research and education, leaving behind a lasting impact on the profession. His dedication to innovation and his unwavering commitment to serving those in need will be remembered as a testament to his remarkable life and career.
David Paton, Founder of the Flying Eye Hospital, Passes Away at 94
Dr. David Paton, an ophthalmologist dedicated to fighting blindness globally, has died at the age of 94. He pioneered a revolutionary approach to eye care by creating the Flying Eye Hospital, an operating room built inside an airplane. This innovative concept brought advanced medical treatment to underserved communities around the world. His legacy of compassion and ingenuity continues to inspire the field of ophthalmology.