George Andreas Berry

Sir George Andreas Berry, an Ophthalmologist in Edinburgh, was recognised as an international authority at an early stage in his professional career. His textbook became a standard work in many countries and he went on to become President of the College, Surgeon Oculist to the King in Scotland and Member of Parliament for the Scottish Universities.

George Andreas Berry was born in Leith where his father, Walter Berry, was the Danish Consul. He was educated at Marlborough and Edinburgh University. After graduating M.B, C.M. from Edinburgh University in 1876, he devoted himself to the speciality of ophthalmology. He was fortunate to be able to work in Copenhagen with his distinguished uncle, Professor Hansen Grut who was later to become Bowman Lecturer of the Ophthalmic Society. As a young doctor Berry also studied in France, Germany, Austria and Holland and worked as Resident House Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, before becoming FRCSEd in 1881. This exposure to European ophthalmic practice allowed him to become a recognised authority in ophthalmology at a remarkably early age. His textbook “Diseases of the Eye – A Practical Treatise for Students of Ophthalmology” enhanced his reputation in continental Europe and America. The book was dedicated to Professor Grut and the warmth of the dedication illustrate Berry’s qualities of enthusiasm, dedication and loyality. It became a standard work throughout the English speaking world for many years. For over 20 years he practised as surgeon to the Eye Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. His later career was recognised by many honours. A founder member of the the Ophthalmological Society of the United Kingdom he went on to become its President. Following the footsteps of his distinguished uncle, he was elected the Bowman Lecturer, the highest accolade offered by the Society. At that time the British Medical Association had Academic rather simply political standing and berry became Vice president of the section of Ophthalmology and President in 1905.He was elected to theRoyal Society of Edinburgh, The Royal Academy of Medicine of Ireland and a member of the Court of Edinburgh University. He became President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh from 1910 to 1912 , and was Honorary Surgeon Oculist to the King in Scotland, serving both Edward VII and George V. In 1916 he received the accolade of Knighthood. From 1922 he served as Member of Parliament for the Scottish Universities and on retiral from this position in 1931 was awarded the Honorary degree of LL.D by Edinburgh University .

He possessed many gifts including an expertise in mathematics, and fluency in several European languages. A gifted cellist he was influential in the founding of the Reid School of Music in Edinburgh University.