Dr. Gary Barker received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida in 1976, achieving Departmental Honors in biology. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1983. At UHCO, Dr. Barker was awarded the Pediatric Clinician of the Year award. After graduation from UHCO. Dr. Barker worked at the University of Texas Medical Science Center-Houston as a Research Optometrist in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), one of the first studies of laser treatment of diabetic eye disease. He co-founded Eye Associates of Winter Park in 1985.

Dr. Barker examines patients of the practice who are under the age of six. Although Dr. Barker's specialty is pediatric optometry, he does provide medical eye care for patients of all ages.

Dr. Barker is active in his state professional association, having chaired many committees in the Florida Optometric Association. He is a past President of the Florida Optometric Association. Dr. Barker is well respected among his peers, receiving the Florida Optometrist of the Year in 1996. Dr. Barker volunteers his time in providing eye care to indigent patients through the Jeppesen Foundation, as well as patients referred in by Prevent Blindness and local schools.