William Taylor (ophthalmologist)

William Oswald Gibson Taylor FRCPGLAS (16 March 1912 – 4 September 1989) was a Scottish consultant ophthalmologist who became a leading expert on albinism.^[1][2] In 1979 he founded the Albinism Fellowship in the United Kingdom.^[3][4]

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 at age 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]