In brief
In memory of David Paton, who took healthcare to new heights with his innovative flying hospital concept.
David Paton, an innovative and driven ophthalmologist known for founding Project Orbis, passed away on April 3 at the age of 94 in Reno, Nevada. His son, Townley, confirmed his death. Dr. Paton was renowned for his visionary approach, converting a United Airlines plane into a flying hospital designed to treat patients with preventable blindness and to train local medical staff in underserved regions. The son of a distinguished New York eye surgeon, Dr. Paton was teaching at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University during the early 1970s when he witnessed a growing number of preventable blindness cases in remote areas. In his memoir, “Second Sight: Views from an Eye Doctor’s Odyssey” (2011), he expressed frustration over the lack of eye doctors and inadequate education for current practitioners. While contemplating various solutions, including shipping medical equipment or utilizing slow-moving medical ships, Dr. Paton had an epiphany influenced by the recent moon landing: could an aircraft serve as a mobile hospital? This radical idea led to the establishment of a unique platform for both surgical interventions and medical training, embodying his commitment to global healthcare. Dr. Paton's ingenuity and spirit are a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on millions of lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals.
