In brief
Paton’s legacy lives on as his flying hospital continues to change lives around the world.
David Paton, an ophthalmologist known for his groundbreaking work with Project Orbis, passed away on April 3 at the age of 94. Launched in the early 1970s, Project Orbis transformed a United Airlines jet into a mobile hospital, bringing essential eye care and training to underserved communities around the globe. His vision was fueled by concern over the rising incidence of preventable blindness in isolated regions.Paton, inspired by the spirit of the moon landing, sought to break barriers in medical access. In his memoir, “Second Sight: Views from an Eye Doctor’s Odyssey,” he noted that while more eye doctors were essential, enhancing the education of existing practitioners was crucial too. Rejecting ideas like sending equipment by sea, he proposed a faster, more efficient solution: a flying hospital equipped with operating theaters and classrooms.His courageous endeavor and determination left an indelible mark on global ophthalmology, fostering education and treatment for countless individuals in need. Paton’s work exemplifies how one person’s innovative idea can pave the way for transformative change in healthcare.
