Orbis honours the extraordinary life of Dr. David Paton, a visionary ophthalmologist and global health pioneer whose ideas helped launch Orbis International, our Flying Eye Hospital, and shape the future of eye care around the world.
Dr Paton believed in bringing training to where it was needed most, enabling local eye care teams to develop the skills to save sight within their own communities - a guiding principle that still underpins our work today.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, in August 1930, Dr Paton was the son of a prominent ophthalmologist, Richard Paton, founder of the world's first eye bank in 1946.
Jack McHale
Former Orbis CEO
It was David’s vision that ignited the spark that grew to a beacon in the battle against global blindness
Dr. Paton graduated from Princeton University and the John Hopkins School of Medicine, where he later joined as a member of the faculty of the Wilmer Eye Institute. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as the chairman of The American Board of Ophthalmology, was the first vice-president of The American Academy of Ophthalmology, and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. His international recognition included being awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1984 and United States Presidential Citizens Medal in 1985.
Former Orbis CEO Jack McHale previously wrote:
“I have been an admirer and follower [of David] for almost 25 years. ... It was David's vision that ignited the spark that grew to a beacon in the battle against global blindness.”
Jack believed that Dr. Paton was instrumental in championing the concept of global ophthalmology “by participating in the prevention of eye disorders, by promoting public knowledge about eye care, and … the classic Orbis style of ‘teach a person to fish’ as a mechanism for inspired learning.”
(Sixth from right) Dr. David Paton with fellow visionaries whose dedication and passion were instrumental in bringing Orbis to life.
Dr. Hunter Cherwek, our Vice President of Clinical Services and Technologies, voiced a similar admiration: “Dr. Paton had an incredible life and career that inspired so many people, including me. He was a true pioneer in the field of global ophthalmology, and every time I met with him, I was blown away by his energy and the ideas he had to address global eye health.”
A talented storyteller and dedicated teacher, Dr. Paton captured his extraordinary journey in his memoir, Second Sight: Views from an Eye Doctor’s Odyssey, which reflects his belief that eye care should be available to all, and that education and advocacy are vital to improving lives.
Dr. Hunter Cherwek
Vice President, Clinical Services and Technologies
Dr. Paton had an incredible life and career that inspired so many people, including me. He was a true pioneer in the field of global ophthalmology, and every time I met with him, I was blown away by his energy and the ideas he had to address global eye health.
Dr. Paton’s work continues to influence generations of ophthalmologists and health professionals across the globe. His contributions have restored sight to countless people and inspired new standards of collaboration, education, and compassion in global health.
Gene Helveston, former Orbis Volunteer Faculty member and Orbis Cybersight founder told us: “David Paton was a renowned ophthalmologist who was a brilliant surgeon, teacher, and foremost, a visionary—a man capable of transforming a dream into reality. Paton’s energy was instrumental in the launch of the first Flying Eye Hospital and would introduce modern eye surgery to thousands of doctors who would be better equipped to treat millions of patients worldwide. Forty-three years later, the third-generation Flying Eye Hospital continues to improve access to quality eye care globally, while remaining a testimony to the vision of Dr. David Paton, one of the key people who made Orbis happen.”
Gene Helveston
Former Orbis Volunteer Faculty member and Orbis Cybersight founder
Paton’s energy was instrumental in the launch of the first Flying Eye Hospital and would introduce modern eye surgery to thousands of doctors who would be better equipped to treat millions of patients worldwide.
The Orbis community mourns the passing of Dr David Paton and celebrates the impact of his extraordinary life. His legacy lives on through generations of eye care professionals, and in the sight restored to millions of people across the world.
