David Paton: Visionary of Mobile Eye Care Passes at 94

David Paton, a visionary ophthalmologist renowned for his groundbreaking work in mobile eye care, passed away on April 3 at the age of 94 at his residence in Reno, Nevada. His son, Townley Paton, confirmed the news. Dr. Paton is best known for founding Project Orbis, a revolutionary initiative that converted a United Airlines jet into a flying hospital to provide eye surgeries and training in developing nations.Originating from a family with a rich medical heritage, Dr. Paton's father was a well-respected eye surgeon whose clients ranged from the Shah of Iran to the elite of New York’s society. In the 1970s, while working at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Paton became increasingly troubled by the rise of avoidable blindness in remote areas lacking adequate medical resources. He recognized that merely increasing the number of eye specialists was insufficient; enhancing the education of existing physicians was equally crucial.Dr. Paton initially entertained ideas of shipping medical supplies, similar to how traveling circuses operate, but faced significant logistical challenges. He toyed with the concept of a medical ship as successfully utilized by organizations like Project Hope, but he yearned for a quicker solution. Inspired by the success of the moon landing in 1969, he envisioned a bold new concept: converting an aircraft into a fully equipped operating room, complete with training facilities.This innovative thinking not only represented a leap forward in addressing global health disparities but also exemplified the indomitable spirit of a man who believed in tackling problems with creativity and persistence. Dr. Paton's legacy resonates in the lives improved through his work, ensuring access to quality eye care in underserved regions worldwide.