Life and Legacy

Dr. David Paton, a pivotal figure in ophthalmology and the founder of Project Orbis, passed away on April 3 at the age of 94 at his home in Reno, Nevada. His passing was confirmed by his son, Townley Paton.

Early Inspiration and Education

Born on August 16, 1930, in Baltimore, Dr. Paton was raised in Manhattan within a family deeply involved in medicine. His father, a renowned eye surgeon, treated high-profile patients, including the Shah of Iran. Dr. Paton attended the Hill School and later Princeton University, where he met James A. Baker III, a formidable friendship that lasted a lifetime.

After earning his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1956, Dr. Paton served at the Wilmer Eye Institute before taking on leadership roles, including at the Baylor College of Medicine.

The Genesis of Project Orbis

In the early 1970s, Dr. Paton, frustrated by the increasing rates of preventable blindness in remote areas, envisioned a solution that would combine medical care and education. He sought ways to bring surgical expertise to underserved populations and, during a time when innovative thinking thrived, proposed a revolutionary idea: converting an aircraft into a mobile hospital.

Realizing the Vision

Despite initial setbacks in securing funding and resources, including attempts to obtain a military aircraft and funding from universities, Dr. Paton’s determination led him to gather support from influential donors. In 1973, he established Project Orbis, collaborating with philanthropic figures like Leonard F. McCollum and Betsy Trippe Wainwright.

By 1980, support from United Airlines facilitated the donation of a DC-8 jet, which was transformed into a state-of-the-art Flying Eye Hospital with surgical and educational facilities. The U.S. Agency for International Development contributed $1.25 million for this groundbreaking project.

Impact on Global Ophthalmic Care

The inaugural flight took place in 1982, traveling first to Panama and subsequently reaching countries like Peru, Jordan, and Nepal. Volunteer surgeons and nurses dedicated their time to this noble cause, bringing vital eye care services to countless individuals. Notable visitors included Mother Teresa and Fidel Castro.

Anecdotes from the Flying Eye Hospital

A striking story emerged from a 1999 feature in The Sunday Times, which followed a 14-year-old Cuban girl named Julia who received treatment aboard the Flying Eye Hospital. Described as having a condition manageable in developed countries, her journey showcased the stark differences in medical access globally. After surgery, Julia gradually regained her vision, leading to transformative moments of discovery.

Conclusion and Continued Influence

Dr. Paton’s contribution to ophthalmology extended beyond the creation of Project Orbis. He served in various prestigious roles, including as medical director of the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Although he stepped down from Project Orbis in 1987, his vision lives on through Orbis International, which has conducted over 600,000 surgeries and training sessions since 2014.

Dr. Paton’s legacy is marked not only by his innovative spirit but also by his unwavering commitment to enhancing medical education and care worldwide. He is survived by his son and two granddaughters, leaving behind a profound impact in the field of ophthalmology.