In brief
Dr. David Paton, the man behind Project Orbis, revolutionized eye care by transforming an airplane into a mobile surgical facility, serving communities worldwide in need of vision care.
David Paton, a trailblazing and idealistic ophthalmologist who founded Project Orbis, has passed away at the age of 94. Paton, who converted a United Airlines airplane into a flying hospital, dedicated his life to addressing preventable blindness in underserved regions through surgical assistance and medical training. His death was reported on April 3 at his home in Reno, Nevada, as confirmed by his son, Townley.The son of a prominent eye surgeon in New York with a notable clientele, including the Shah of Iran, Dr. Paton was a professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University during the early 1970s. Frustrated by the growing number of cases of treatable blindness globally, he emphasized the importance of not just providing more eye doctors but also enhancing the education of existing medical personnel. Opinions on how to effectively deliver eye care to remote locations led Paton to consider various options, including transporting medical equipment and personnel via ships. However, this method lacked the speed he desired. Inspired by technological advancements following the moon landing in 1969, he envisioned an ambitious solution: converting an aircraft into a fully-equipped operating room and educational platform.Dr. Paton's groundbreaking vision paved the way for innovative approaches in global healthcare, particularly in ophthalmology, asserting his legacy as an inspiring humanitarian.
