A female, African American physician and inventor whose work gave many the gift of sight. Why haven’t I heard of Dr. Patricia Bath before? Michelle Lord’s picture book biography, Patricia’s Vision, aims to correct that.

The story starts with Michelle’s childhood and how her early life steered her toward a life in science. It touches on the cutting indignities she faced in her profession but her persistent concern for people with visual impairments. We see her develop new tools in order to do laser surgery on people with cataracts and continue her concern for people with sight problems even into her retirement.

Throughout the book, quotations from Dr. Bath are set at appropriate spots in the story. The back matter explains that Lord was able to do telephone interviews with Dr. Bath for the book.

This is an inspiring story about caring for others and persisting despite discouragement. It does a good job showing how careers in science can make a big difference in people’s lives.

Patricia’s Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight, by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (Sterling: 2020).