The Fred Hollows Foundation is an international development organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness and improving Indigenous Australian health. Today they continue Fred’s vision: they see a world in which no person is needlessly blind and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders exercise their right to good health. 

Since its humble beginnings in Fred and Gabi’s kitchen, The Foundation now works in more than 25 countries and has restored sight to over three million people. They are driven by Fred’s vision to eliminate avoidable blindness, for Indigenous Australians to have access to quality health services and to stand up for what is right. They believe that collaboration, getting things done with integrity, and empowering local communities is the best way to make a difference.

Today, there are 43 million people in the world who are blind – but many don’t need to be. They focus on preventable and treatable diseases such as cataract, trachoma and diabetic retinopathy. Their in-country work involves local training and providing affordable technology, so doctors, nurses and health care workers can recognise, diagnose, refer and treat eye problems in their communities. They use research to improve their understanding of avoidable blindness, then use their findings to implement strategies and advocate for change.    

The Foundation is overseen by their Board of Directors, which includes Gabi Hollows. CEO Ian Wishart leads day-to-day operations, and they’re still advised by Fred’s great mate and fellow humanitarian, Dr Sanduk Ruit. They are independent, not-for-profit, politically unaligned and secular.