Business
A profile of notable African American innovators who transformed the way we live
Patricia E. Bath. PHOTO/Copyright Patricia E. Bath, M.D.
Patricia Bath received a patent for her cataract laserphaco probe in 1988. Her device used an innovative method of removing cataract lenses with a laser, which was more accurate than the drill-like instruments that were in common use at the time. The ophthalmologist’s invention helped save the eyesight of millions and even restored sight to people who had been blind for more than 30 years.
Mark Dean. PHOTO/Stanford University
Mark Dean is one of technology’s top innovators. The computer engineer helped design the IBM personal computer, introduced in 1981, that became a staple on desktops. He, along with co-inventor and IBM colleague Dennis Moeller, helped develop the interior hardware that would allow computers to connect to printers, monitors and more. Ironically, the man who helped make the PC popular is now using only tablets, noting in a blog post, “When I helped design the PC, I didn’t think I’d live long enough to witness its decline.”