Dr. Bath completed a medical internship at Harlem Hospital Center, where she witnessed firsthand the disproportionately high rates of blindness among African Americans and the lack of access to ophthalmic care.

She pursued a fellowship in ophthalmology at Columbia University, further specializing in the study and treatment of eye diseases and disorders.

Dr. Bath completed her residency in ophthalmology at New York University, honing her surgical skills and deepening her knowledge of the field.

Patricia Bath made history as the first African American woman to be appointed as an ophthalmologist on staff at the UCLA Medical Center. She also joined the faculty at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Recognizing the need for a proactive approach to preventing blindness, Dr. Bath co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness (AIPB) which promoted eye health, education, and prevention programs, particularly in underserved communities. She served as its president.

Dr. Bath became the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. This was another pioneering achievement in her career.

Dr. Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that used laser technology to precisely and painlessly remove cataracts. This innovative technology revolutionized cataract surgery.

She received her first patent for the Laserphaco Probe in Japan, marking the beginning of her recognition as an inventor.

Dr. Bath continued to refine and improve her Laserphaco technology, securing additional patents in the United States (1995) and Europe (1999) related to the device and its application.

Dr. Bath retired from the UCLA Medical Center but continued to work and lecture internationally on ophthalmology and the prevention of blindness.