David Paton, Visionary Ophthalmologist and Founder of Project Orbis, Passes Away at 94
David Paton, a pioneering ophthalmologist and founder of Project Orbis, passed away at his home in Reno, Nevada, on April 3 at the age of 94. His son confirmed the news. Paton, whose father was a prominent eye surgeon, became driven by the increasing incidence of preventable blindness in developing regions while teaching at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in the early 1970s.
Frustrated by the lack of eye care access, Paton envisioned a mobile solution. Instead of shipping medical equipment or using a slow medical ship, he proposed converting a large aircraft into a flying hospital. Paton faced initial skepticism from medical institutions but ultimately secured support from influential society figures, leading to the founding of Project Orbis in 1973.
In partnership with United Airlines, the project launched its first flight of the DC-8 jet in 1982, which served as a fully equipped operating theater and classroom. Medical volunteers performed surgeries while local doctors received training. The initiative reached countries like Panama, Peru, and Jordan, impacting countless lives. Inspirational stories emerged, including that of a 14-year-old girl named Julia, whose sight was restored after surgery on the plane, demonstrating the life-changing power of Paton’s vision.
After his departure from Project Orbis in 1987, Paton continued to influence eye care globally, earning the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan. Under its new name, Orbis International, the organization has since performed over 621,000 surgeries and provided extensive training for healthcare practitioners worldwide.
Paton is survived by his son and two granddaughters. His transformative work and commitment to eye care will be remembered as a testament to his visionary spirit.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
