Born and raised in Baltimore, Dr. Paton comes from a family of well-known physicians, intellects and humanitarians. From his early boarding school education at The Hill School, through Princeton and New York’s Cornell Medical College, it is easy to see how a magnificent career could unfold before him. With a passion for his work as an eye surgeon, and interest in the development of eye banks for corneal transplants, Dr. Paton’s intellect and motivation give him access to many different kinds of people–from the poor and unfortunate to the rich and renowned.
“Second Sight” is filled with clever accounts of his working experiences in every corner of the world. Some are humorous, some heart-breaking; all are enlightening as to the complexity of the field of Ophthalmology.Dr Paton’s greatest contribution to medicine is his creation of the famous ORBIS flying eye hospital. An aircraft equipped to serve as an operating room and a lecture hall, ORBIS flies volunteer medical staff to locations where specialized doctors might otherwise not be available. The project is a godsend for underdeveloped countries with limited education, money and medical resources.
This funny, intelligent and insightful memoir is ultimately the story of a man who was fortunate enough to mold his life’s opportunities into greatness. It would be of interest to anyone who takes an interest in humanitarian efforts and medicine.
Reviewed by Peggy La Vake
Holds degrees in English and Music. Has commercial pilots license. A practitioner of Tai Chi. Teaches violin and viola. Performs classical music. Finds great satisfaction in writing. Has been published numerous times. Works daily on what she hopes to be her first novel.