Restoring and preserving sight
Millions of people around the world are blind simply because they can't access eye care. Many of our Pacific neighbours are suffering this exact fate.
Fred’s mission
Fred Hollows was an internationally renowned eye surgeon and humanitarian who worked tirelessly to end avoidable blindness. While it didn’t happen in his life time, we’re working hard to make sure it happens in ours.
We're known for providing cost-effective treatments for sight loss caused by cataract and diabetes eye disease. We also work with Ministries of Health to provide eye care to thousands of patients suffering from other eye conditions. We're in it for the long haul, and won't stop until avoidable blindness is a thing of the past.
What is avoidable blindness?
Globally, it's estimated that 9 out of 10 people who are blind don't need to be. Eye conditions like cataract and diabetes eye disease can cause sight loss and blindness even though they're treatable or preventable. An estimated 90 per cent of the world’s visually impaired people live in low-income countries. Disadvantaged and vulnerable communities are the worst affected because there's a strong link between eye health, poverty and education.
Our work in the Pacific
We work to eliminate avoidable blindness in the Pacific by making eye care accessible for all. In many cases a short 20 minute operation can restore sight. We work in partnership with local Ministries of Health to screen for signs of disease and provide the right treatment.
"I believe the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other, and that’s what makes humans look after other humans when they are in need."
- Professor Fred Hollows
What we achieved in 2023
Across our managed clinics:
- 4,348 patients screened for diabetes eye disease
- 8,646 spectacles dispensed
Additionally, our graduates reported another:
- 19,585 consultations
- 655 surgeries
- 3,869 patients screened for diabetes eye disease
- 1,799 spectacles dispensed
The value of restoring sight
The impact of restoring sight goes far beyond treating blindness. It's also an effective way to tackle poverty. Children can go to school, adults can go to work or start a business, and the financial and social burden on families and communities is reduced.
We’re putting ourselves out of a job
Fred didn't believe in flying eye doctors into a country or simply handing out cash. He believed communities and governments should work together to tackle avoidable blindness. Like Fred, we work with local people to train eye health workers, build and upgrade facilities, develop and introduce new technology, and provide vital equipment.
FAQs
