U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 11

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11: PATRICIA BATH

Profile America for the 11th day of Black History Month.  Dr. Patricia Bath has dedicated her life to the treatment and prevention of visual impairments.  Her personal belief is that everyone has the "right to sight."  To that end, she co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. Her outstanding abilities were already evident in cancer research she did at age 16.  Her best known achievement was the invention of a laser device to vaporize cataracts, more effective and less invasive than previous mechanical techniques.  Dr. Bath is credited as the first female African- American doctor to receive a patent.  Across the U.S., there are more than 18,000 ophthalmologists helping Americans maintain good vision.  This special edition of Profile America is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.  

Sources:  www.blackinventor.com/pages/patriciabath.html

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 158

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  For further information, contact Rick Reed:  301-763-2812; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: rreed-at-census.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau