02/07/2026
👁️Meet the team👁️ A couple of new (but not so new) faces in the clinic!
Ms Mariam Baissy, Optometrist (Right)
Mariam is a New Zealand-raised and trained therapeutic optometrist, and one of the two eye care professionals here at Bay Eye Care. She joined the Bay Eye Care team in May 2026 after graduating from the University of Auckland in 2024 with first class honours in Optometry. Mariam has previously practiced at a busy independent optometry practice on the Kapiti Coast, along with outreach services managing diabetic retinal eye disease on the West Coast of the South Island. Since making the move from the Kapiti Coast, Mariam has been embracing the Bay of Plenty lifestyle. Outside of the clinic, you'll often find her out running, exploring the beautiful BOP, catching up with friends, or enjoying her newest hobby, pottery!
Ms Gracie Elliot-Brown, Office Manager (Left)
Gracie has been the friendly face behind the front desk here at Bay Eye Care since June 2025. Born in Tauranga and raised in the Coromandel, she's called a few different places around the North Island home before settling back in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Gracie has over six years of experience in administration and customer service. She is passionate about making every patient's visit a friendly, seamless and welcoming experience. From general enquiries, solutions and contact lens orders to assisting with preliminary testing before your appointment, Gracie is your point of contact! Outside of the clinic, you'll find Gracie enjoying everything the BOP has to offer. She loves spending time at the beach, going for runs, skiing in winter, and enjoying good food, great coffee, and time with friends around the Bay.
Mr Alex Petty, Principal Optometrist / Director (Middle)
Alex is a New Zealand-trained therapeutic optometrist who graduated with first-class honours from the University of Auckland in 2010. After spending two years living and working in Adelaide with his fiancée, Rachel, they returned home to New Zealand, and in 2017 Alex founded Bay Eye Care. Alex has a special interest in contact lenses, orthokeratology, myopia control for children, and the diagnosis and management of eye conditions, including dry eye and glaucoma. Alex is especially passionate about myopia control because it's personal: Having developed progressive short-sightedness as a child, he later experienced retinal detachments related to his high myopia. This first-hand experience drives his commitment to helping slow myopia progression in children and reduce their risk of serious eye conditions later in life. When he's not caring for patients' eyes, you'll find Alex spending time with his family at the beautiful Bay of Plenty beaches, travelling around New Zealand, or out on the golf course - More recently training for the summer Speedgolf season!
We all look forward to seeing you at the clinic on your next visit!
- The Bay Eye Care Team
