In brief
David Paton’s vision led to innovative approaches for combating preventable blindness worldwide.
David Paton, an inspiring and daring ophthalmologist known for his groundbreaking project that transformed aviation into a vehicle for medical aid, passed away at 94 on April 3 in Reno, Nevada. Paton, who established Project Orbis, converted a commercial jetliner into an airborne operating theater that traveled to underserved regions, equipping local doctors and treating patients in need. His son, Townley, shared news of his father’s death.Paton, the son of a notable eye surgeon from New York, found himself disheartened by the rising number of people suffering from preventable blindness, especially in remote areas, during his teaching stints at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in the early 1970s. He understood that while additional eye care professionals were crucial, enhancing the skills of existing local doctors was equally imperative.In a bid to deliver eye care more effectively, he initially considered shipping medical supplies in bulk, resembling a circus caravan, but soon recognized the logistical hurdles involved. Another thought involved a medical ship as a mobile clinic, akin to initiatives by humanitarian organizations, but he deemed that too slow.Inspired by the technological marvel of the lunar landing in 1969, Paton conceptualized a more radical solution: transforming an aircraft into a mobile medical facility, capable of serving as an operating room, a training hub, and a repository for essential instruments. Paton’s forward-thinking disposition and relentless drive to innovate made him a distinction in the field of global health, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire countless healthcare professionals and patients globally.
