Dr. Barrie has been a remarkable example of excellence, leadership and commitment for decades. Dr. Barrie grew up in Regina, SK going on to attend the University of Regina where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science, with Honours in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Science, with Distinction in Chemistry. She then went on to attend the University of Waterloo where she embraced the academic, social and research aspects of the institution. She became a research assistant to Dr. Jake Sivak during which time she authored, alongside Dr. Sivak and Dr. Weerheim, the paper “Bilateral Experimental Myopia in Chicks” published in Optometry and Vision Sciences 1989. Upon graduation in 1990 Dr. Barrie returned to Saskatchewan and began her career with Dr. Walter Zaleschuk. She then went on to work for Dr. Lori Robinson in 1993. In 1995 Dr. Robinson, Dr. Bev Orr and Dr. Barrie became partners in InVision Eye Care Centre. Dr. Barrie remained a partner/owner with InVision until 2024 when she retired.
Dr. Dorothy Barrie joined the SAO Council in 1994, just 4 years after embarking on her career, serving in various capacities including Registrar from 1998 – 1999 and culminating with her serving as SAO’s first female President from 2001-2003, 92 years after the SAO was formed, and embarking in this role as a single mom. During her time on Council and for nearly two decades, Dr. Barrie championed vision care for children. Her efforts led to the creation of two “clinics” in Saskatoon schools. Not stopping at advocacy alone, Dr. Barrie and her colleagues at InVision also provided optometric care from 2010-2020 when COVID when restrictions prevented access. Compensation for work in the schools is no different to what is provided in the office so this was also a significant administrative and financial commitment!
In addition to all of the above Dr. Barrie was an active community volunteer and SAO volunteer on several committees. As a business owner she also put into practice her belief in lifelong learning pursuing her MBA in 2008.