Dr. Chris Bakouris was born and raised in Regina and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 2010 where he received his Doctorate of Optometry degree. He enjoys all aspects of optometry with special interest in contact lenses, dry eye disease, and LASIK co-management. Dr. Bakouris had the opportunity to do his internships in Florida, North Carolina, Chicago, and Denver where he gained valuable experience in all fields of optometry. Upon graduation, he practiced optometry in Minneapolis, Denver, Regina, and Lake Country. He also volunteered his time by providing eye care to those in need in Mexico.

Outside of the office, Chris enjoys spending time in the great outdoors of the Kootenays with his amazing wife, daughter and dog. He enjoys hiking, mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding, and travelling. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys a good conversations with people from all walks of life.

Originally from Peachland, Dr Katie Markin is excited to move to her husband’s hometown to be closer to family, friends, and the beautiful West Kootenays. She is currently practicing in Castlegar, Nelson, and most recently Nakusp. She recognizes the barrier to primary eye care that the people of Nakusp and surrounding area have and is ready to fill that need by travelling to Nakusp one day per week and provide full scope primary eye care and disease management within the Nakusp Integrated Health Clinic.

Katie obtained her BSc. in medical biochemistry at UBC Okanagan and then her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo in 2018. She completed her Ocular Disease Internship at the Deteroit Veterans Hospital. Since graduation, she has worked at several clinics in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Kelowna. She is the proud new owner of Mountain View Optometry and is excited to bring her experience to the West Kootenays and settle down here. Embracing the active Nelson lifestyle, you can often find her running and biking around the area.