William Annesley Jr., 89, physician

William H. Annesley Jr., 89, formerly of Gladwyne, a retired ophthalmologist, died Friday, Oct. 24, at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr of pneumonia and complications from a stroke he had suffered earlier.

Dr. Annesley served as chief of ophthalmology at Lankenau Hospital from 1972 to 1989. During that time, he was a cofounder and director of the retina service at Wills Eye Hospital.

He also was director of ophthalmology and an attending surgeon at Wills Eye, and a professor of ophthalmology at Jefferson Medical College.

Within the medical profession, he was best known for his expertise in macular photocoagulation, or using an intense beam of light to stabilize the retina in cases of detachment.

He was among the first to go to Germany, learn the technique, and bring it back for use here, said his son, William III.

He was a master of the indirect ophthalmoscope - a device that lets a doctor look inside a patient's eye - and was for many years one of the leading scleral bucklers in the Delaware Valley.

The scleral buckle is placed on or around the outside of the eye to relieve pressure on the retina, as a way of mending retinal tears.

Perhaps his greatest skill was his teaching ability; he inspired and nurtured both students and residents. He helped to train more than 100 retina specialists, many of whom became leaders in the field, his family said in a tribute.

Over his career, Dr. Annesley published widely and received numerous awards and citations. He was a charter member of the Retina Society.

Born in Kensington, he was a graduate of Central High School. He went on to attend Haverford College, but his studies were interrupted by a hitch in the Navy. Later, after enrolling at Jefferson, he followed in his father's footsteps by taking up ophthalmology.

Dr. Annesley was married for 43 years to Nancy Lee Harlan. She died in 1993 of breast cancer.

"Nancy had a great sense of humor, and together they made quite a team," his family said.

Dr. Annesley never remarried. In retirement, one of his favorite pastimes was watching his grandchildren play sports. "It reminded him of his years as a high school student when he lettered in soccer, swimming, and baseball," his family said.

An avid golfer, he could be found on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the spring and summer on the links at the Philadelphia Country Club. In the winter, he would play at the Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta, Fla.

Surviving, besides his son, are daughters Barbara Addis, Margaret Hayne, and Joan Walton; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Philadelphia Country Club, 1601 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne. Burial is private.

Donations may be made to The Dr. William H. Annesley, Jr. Retina Fund at Wills Eye Foundation, 840 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107.

610-313-8102