The matriarchs of society, women are often the silent heroes of male-dominated industries. Women are inventors, engineers, community builders and disruptors– yet, are often the silent martyrs to their White, male peers. ĖNDIRĖ is in the business of seeing clearly and Ophthalmology is no stranger to misogyny.

In a 2020 study, the wage gap was reported to be 10.3% higher for men in entry-level Ophthalmology positions. (That's about $27,273.89 extra in salary!) From education to wages, the eye health industry is flawed. Women are pinning their white coats with industry firsts and developing industry altering technology; they deserve their respect—and wages!

Globally, we have national holidays dedicated to women’s contributions, but we have quite a way to go in honoring all women’s contributions: especially those of Black and Brown women. As March gives way to April’s abundance, ĖNDIRĖ is giving flowers to industry innovator Dr. Patricia Bath, OD.

Dr. Patricia Bath, OD: The Black Woman Who Revolutionized Eyesight

The ĖNDIRĖ team has been hard at work researching the impact of women in the advancement of eye health. In our search, we found Dr. Patricia Bath. Her contributions to the eye health industry are enormous. As a Black woman in the medical field, there were many obstacles in her way. In the face of racism and sexism, she was diligent in her pursuit of improving the lives of the patients she worked with.

There was no shortage of “First’s” pinned on Dr. Bath’s white coat:

In 1970, she First African American Ophthalmology Resident at NYU
In 1974, she was the First woman faculty member in UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute Ophthalmology
In 1983, she became the First Woman Chair of residency program in the US
In 1988, she was the First African-American woman to receive a patent for a medical application

How The Laserphaco Probe Revolutionized Cataract Surgery

Beyond Dr. Bath’s ability to make her presence known in medical spaces,, she was a pioneer in advancing techniques for cataract surgery. A Cataract is a treatable, but progressive clouding of eye lenses causing reduced vision (or loss) if untreated. There are 2 methods to restore vision. The first, Traditional Cataract Surgery, is highly invasive. Historically known as Couching, but currently known as Phacoemulsification, the procedure involves the use of needles to break up or dislodge the cloudy buildup to improve the level of vision. [OUCH] The second, less invasive method, is Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. This method was spearheaded by Dr. Bath’s invention, the Laserphaco Probe. The first commercial version of the device used lasers to dissolve the cataracts to restore vision. In 2000, the treatment combined lasers and ultrasound to increase the accuracy of the treatment to restore vision.

Seeing Our Impact: Highlighting Women’s Impact in Eye Health

Dr. Bath was one of many who paved the way in the face of adversity, made a huge impact in the world of eye health, and looked stylish while hard at work; a true icon to the Endire Eyewear Team.