Trained in ophthalmology in Perth, Western Australia, Prof. Barrett undertook speciality training in the USA. He is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Prof. Barrett is founding president of Australasian Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons. He is the recipient of major international awards including the Ridley Medal (European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons), the Binkhorst Medal (American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons) and the Ridley Medal (Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgeons).