Ms. Samira Corbie BSc (Hons) MCOptom

Ms. Samira Corbie is the newest addition to the Harcourt Carter family. After graduating with Honours from the University of the West Indies, Samira went on to pursue and complete her pre-registration in Trinidad and Tobago.

Samira has years of experience in comprehensive eyecare, including refractive and contact lens services, evaluation of ocular pathology, and pre/post-op surgical co-management. Samira is a consummate professional who believes in pursuing knowledge so that she can provide all the up-to-date information needed to effectively educate her patients as well as make informed decisions about their eyecare.

As an active member of the College of Optometrists, Samira continues to develop her skills and knowledge through her on-going education. This passion for her field of work has led her towards a skill in specialty contact lenses where she has worked with numerous patients who require scleral lenses.

Within her work, both clinical and retail, Samira always aims to create a comfortable and hospitable environment for her patients. Thus, she constantly exercises a great amount of care and patience during each individual client experience while at the same time remaining transparent and truthful about the situation.

Mrs. Michele King BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Michele, after studying in Barbados at St. Winifred's School, the Christ Church Foundation School and then Barbados Community College was awarded a Barbados Scholarship in 1990 and went on to study Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in England.

Michele graduated from UMIST with an Honours degree in 1993. After successfully completing her pre-registration training and examinations in Shropshire, she was registered with the General Optical Council in 1994 and became a member of the British College of Optometrists in that same year.

Michele then returned to Barbados and has been practicing as an optometrist with the team at Harcourt Carter and Imperial Optical since October 1994. Michele enjoys all aspects of Optometry including working with contact lenses, and keenly keeps up to date on the ever changing profession with regular continuing education both regionally and internationally.

Mr. Christopher King BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Mr. Chris King joined Harcourt Carter Optical in September 1994 as an optometrist. Chris attended St. Cyprian’s Boys School, Queen’s College and Harrison College. In 1990 he was awarded a Barbados Scholarship and proceeded to study Optometry at The University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in the United Kingdom. Chris graduated in 1993 with First Class Honours and was registered with the General Optical Council in 1994 after successfully completing his pre-registration training in private practice in Shrewsbury.

Chris has established a very loyale clientele during his 20 years of practice with Harcourt Carter Optical, especially in the fields of contact lenses and ocular prosthetics.

In addition to his role as an optometrist, Mr. King is also a Director of the company and plays an integral part in the management of the operation. He constantly strives to maintain the high standards expected of the Harcourt Carter Optical brand.

Mrs. Mellissa Austin BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Mrs. Mellissa Austin (nee Hoyos) started her education at St Angela's school, she then went on to Christ Church Foundation School and then to the Barbados Community College. In 1995 she was awarded a Barbados Scholarship to study Optometry at The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

Mellissa graduated with honors in 1998, then registered with the General Optical Council in 1999 after successfully completing the pre-registration year in private practice on the Isle of Wight.

Mellissa joined the Harcourt Carter Optical group in October 1999, and has enjoyed the last 15 years of continuous learning and development. She offers examinations for routine spectacles, including glaucoma and cataract checks, as well as contact lens fitting.

Mr. Gary StC Hutchinson BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Gary joined the Harcourt Carter team in October 2007, after attending The St. Michael School, the Barbados Community College and the University of the West Indies before going on to study Optometry at Cardiff University Wales, in 2002. He graduated with Honours in June 2006 and was registered with the General Optical Council and the College of Optometrists after completing his professional training in Bristol.

Gary enjoys all aspects of Optometry but has a keen interest in glaucoma care and cataract assessment. He enjoys keeping up to date with new technological developments in the world of Optometry through pursuing continued educational training on a monthly basis. Gary also reintroduced the collection of old spectacles which can be donated at all four Harcourt Carter locations for the Lions Club of Barbados, who then ship them overseas to be distributed to those less fortunate.

Outside of work Gary is an ardent football and cricket fan and enjoys playing both sports when time allows.

Mrs. Brigitte Toppin BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Brigitte wanted to pursue Optometry since the age of 17. Her studies began at The Ursuline Convent, followed by The Barbados Community College. She then moved to Canada where she acquired a BSc in Biology from The University of Toronto.

Once Brigitte was accepted into the Optometry programme at Cardiff University, she started to gain experience at Harcourt Carter working as an Optical Assistant during the summer. She graduated with Honours and then completed her pre-registration training in Wiltshire, England where she practiced for two years before moving back to Barbados - becoming Harcourt Carter Optical’s newest optometrist in 2017.

Brigitte is a member of the General Optical Council, the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists.

Outside of the test room, Brigitte has a keen eye for photography and occasionally blogs about the world of optics and travel.

Mr. Edward Haslett BSc(Hons) MCOptom

Mr. Haslett is a qualified Optometrist who has worked with Harcourt Carter Optical since October 1997. Edward has also worked extensively in both St. Vincent and Bequia which he did while building his clientele locally.

Edward attended Harrison College prior to attending the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the United Kingdom.

Edward successfully completed his Optometry Degree in 1996 when he graduated with Upper Second Class Honours. His pre-registration training was completed in the United Kingdom and Edward passed the rigorous College of Optometry (UK) professional Qualifying Examinations at his first sitting in 1997. Upon completion of these exams he was invited to become a Member of the College of Optometry and permitted to use the affix MCOptom.

Edward feels strongly that all practicing Optometrists have a responsibility to their patients to keep up to date in the rapidly changing study of Optometry and as such continues to fulfill and surpass all Continuing Education requirements stipulated by the College of Optometrists. Edward is registered with the General Optical Council (UK), is a member of The College of Optometrists (UK), The Association of Optometrists (UK) as well as the Optical Association in Barbados.