William Taylor (ophthalmologist)

William Taylor graduated from the University of Glasgow, (MB, ChB) in 1934.[2] Following graduation, Taylor decided to specialise in ophthalmology, working at the Glasgow Eye Infirmary.[2] His research interests began in 1938 at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.[2] In 1940 he joined the British Army and served as an ophthalmologist in East Africa and Scotland during World War II.[2] In 1945 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.[2]

In February 1946 he was the unsuccessful Scottish National Party candidate at the 1946 Glasgow Cathcart by-election to become Member of Parliament for the Glasgow Cathcart (UK Parliament constituency).[2] Later that year he was appointed as consultant ophthalmologist at Kilmarnock Infirmary in Ayrshire.[2]

Over thirty years Taylor developed the orthoptic department into a 36-bed unit with three consultants and research facilities.[2] He published numerous scientific papers on various subjects, notably epicanthus, colour vision and albinism.[2] Through his research on colour vision, Taylor developed a specific interest in albinism.[1] He became one of the world's leading experts on the subject; continuing his research until his death aged 77.[1][5]

In 1979 he established the Albinism Fellowship to provide information, advice and support for people with albinism, their families and other interested parties.[3] He travelled the world as the international organiser of the Albinism Fellowship.[1]

• Mary Harkness prize in 1963.[2]
• William Mackenzie Medal in 1977.[2]
• Edridge Green prize in 1978 from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.[2]

• Albinism Fellowship