Roy Mapstone was born in Wedmore, Somerset, on 15 May 1934, the son of an agricultural worker, and after early education at Wedmore Primary School and Sexey's Grammar School, Bruton, entered Bristol University, graduating in 1959. After house appointments he undertook National Service in Germany, Nigeria and St Kilda and during this time developed an interest in ophthalmology. He subsequently moved to Liverpool as registrar in ophthalmology, later becoming lecturer in ophthalmology at Liverpool University. His interests leant towards academic work and research, especially in connection with anterior segment physiology, glaucoma and anterior uveitis. He acquired his MD degree by thesis and was appointed consultant ophthalmologist to St Paul's Eye Hospital in Liverpool for the final fifteen years of his life. He was a great bibliophile and his interest in foreign languages was such that he taught himself several. He died in 1986 after a myocardial infarction and was survived by his wife, daughter and son (who is a qualified doctor).