Orbis honors 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 that bringing training where it is needed most would help local eye care teams build the skills to save sight in their communities—a principle that still guides our work today.
Dr. Paton was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in August 1930 and was the son of a prominent ophthalmologist, Richard Paton, founder of the world's first eye bank in 1946.
Dr. Paton was a graduate of Princeton University and the John Hopkins School of Medicine, where he later served as a member of the faculty of the Wilmer Eye Institute. In his remarkable 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. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1984 and U.S 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.
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.”
(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 passionate educator, Dr. Paton chronicled his extraordinary journey in his memoir, Second Sight: Views from an Eye Doctor’s Odyssey. The book reflects his belief that sight-saving care should be accessible to all and that teaching others and advocating for better eye care would improve the lives of millions of people.
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 his loss and celebrates his extraordinary life. His legacy endures in the lives of thousands of eye care professionals and millions of people with restored vision around the world.
