Fred Hollows

Fred Hollows (1929-1993) was a passionate ophthalmologist who became known for his work helping restore the eyesight of countless thousands of people in developing countries around the world.

Fred held a special place in the hearts of many. According to Gabi Hollows, Fred's widow, he meant many things to different people. He was a husband, a father, a friend, a skilled ophthalmologist and, for a few politicians and bureaucrats, an irritating thorn in their side.

But above all else he was a humanitarian, which made him a terrific doctor. He truly believed it was the role of the doctor to serve, to help those in need. 

Today, The Foundation is proud to carry on Fred's legacy, delivering sight-saving care to those most in need.

• Pioneered the introduction of modern cataract surgery to developing countries, helping to restore sight to thousands of men, women and children each year. 
• Headed up the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program (NTEHP) in Australia in the late 1970s. The program ran for three years and visited more than 465 communities, screening approximately 100,000 people. 
• During the NTEHP approximately 27,000 people were treated for trachoma and over 1,000 surgeries were performed. 
• Worked with supporters and his wife Gabi Hollows to set up The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia, five months before he died of cancer, to ensure his sight saving work would continue after his death.
• The Fred Hollows Foundation has now helped restore sight to over one million people in the developing world.
• Named as Australian of the Year in 1990 in recognition of his ground-breaking work.
• Recieved Rotary International's highest honour, the Rotary Award for World Understanding. 
• Included in The Bulletin Magazine's list of the 100 most influential Australians.