Barrett Haik MD

July 24, 2016

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of one of our esteemed and most recognizable members:
Barrett Haik, MD FACS FAAO.

Barrett died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday morning (July 22) while visiting his beloved friends and family in New Orleans. He had been out to dinner the night before and was to go on a fishing trip Friday afternoon. Although, the cause of death is not stated at this time, it appeared he lay down to rest and never got up. Seems very peaceful. A gift perhaps...

Barrett, who comes from a large family of ophthalmologists, was extremely accomplished in medicine and ophthalmology having served on the governing boards of the American College of Surgeons and the AAO, and was a long term member of the American Ophthalmological Society. As Chair of the University of Tennessee Ophthalmology Department and St Jude's Ophthalmology, he built and raised money for the Hamilton Eye Institute and developed the department into a highly sought-after residency program. As Chair Emeritus, he continued as the head of the Hamilton Institute, raising significant funds for research and their global eye care programs.

Barrett has been a member of the American Eye Study Club since 1983.  He served as AESC Secretary-Treasurer for three years before becoming President, and recently he brought his vast experience and talents to the AESC Foundation board of trustees with his appointment earlier this year.  We have lost a passionate advocate.

Many of us will remember Barrett as a kind gentle caring person who always did for others. The trainees, patients, faculty, donors, and colleagues that he touched are too numerous to count and have many personal stories to share.

Barrett received the 2015 Memphis Business Journal Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement award.  Read more about Barrett's accomplishments in this story from the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper.

There will be many ways to honor and remember Barrett in the coming weeks. Please feel free to make a donation in his honor to the AESC Foundation to help support our Club.

Read the obituary prepared by the University of Tennessee.

Biosketch for Dr. Haik.

Thanks to George Ellis and Brian Welcome for assisting with this page.