David Paton, Creator of Flying Eye Hospital, Dies at 94

nytimes.comPublished: 4/25/2025

Summary

David Paton, an innovative ophthalmologist who transformed a United Airlines jet into a flying hospital called Project Orbis, dedicated his life to providing eye surgery in remote areas and educating local doctors. His passing on April 3 at age 94 was confirmed by his son, following his son's father’s background as a prominent eye surgeon. Paton, inspired by the challenges of widespread preventable blindness in developing countries, sought solutions that went beyond sending medical teams—considering everything from equipment shipments to repurposing planes for medical transport. His work aimed to not only heal patients but also empower healthcare professionals globally.