Sarah Mather patented her first version of the underwater telescope. This early design aimed to improve the examination of ship hulls and the seabed. The invention was significant for its time, offering a new way to observe underwater objects without physically entering the water. Specifics on the exact mechanism in the initial patent require further research.

After securing her initial patent, Sarah Mather would have worked to promote and refine her invention. She likely explored various applications of the underwater telescope, potentially targeting the maritime industry for ship inspection, salvage operations, and underwater exploration. Further details about the degree of success is unavailable but patenting the invention suggests some positive responses at least.

While the direct, documented impact of Mather's invention remains an area for further research, her underwater telescope contributed to the growing field of underwater observation and engineering. It served as an early example of how technology could be used to explore and interact with the underwater world, influencing later designs and innovations in submarines and underwater cameras.