May 17

Better Vision

On this day in 1988, African American surgeon Patricia Bath was awarded a patent on an invention that could help millions see better. Her tool allows doctors to quickly and accurately remove cataracts that can cause blindness. Her invention vaporizes the cataract in minutes.

"The ability to restore vision is the ultimate reward," said Bath. "It is a really great joy to remove eye patches the day after surgery and the patient can see again."