Photo courtesy of Robert Pearce / Fairfax Photos.

About Fred

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 and his passionate plight to improve indigenous health here in Australia.

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 be carrying on Fred's legacy, delivering sight-saving care to those most in need.

Find out further information about Fred in the Resource Section or through the links below:

Photo courtesy of The Fred Hollows Foundation
Fred's Achievements at a Glance
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It has been estimated through the initiatives of Fred, over one million people have had their sight restored around the world. Read a quick list of Fred's lifetime achievements.
Photo courtesy of The Fred Hollows Foundation
Fred's Work
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Fred was an eye doctor; skilled surgeon of international renoun and a social justice activist who championed the right of all people to high quality and affordable eye care and good health. Read about Fred's life and working history here.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Ellison/Outline
National Trachoma and Eye Health Program
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Fred was passionate about improving indigenous health. In the late 1970s, Fred headed up the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program (NTEHP) in Australia. An innovative program, it set out to eliminate trachoma and other eye conditions in rural and remote communities and, for the first time, record the status of eye health in rural Australia. Read about the program.
Photo courtesy of The Fred Hollows Foundation.
The IOL Story
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Thanks to Fred's vision, implanted intraocular lens (IOLs) that are used in modern cataract surgery have become widely available in developing countries for a fraction of the price. Once described by Fred as 'the most expensive bits of plastic in the world', Fred set out to reduce the price by setting up IOL Labratories in Nepal and Eritrea. Read about his dream becoming a reality.
Photo courtesy of Bob Aitken
Recognition and Awards
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It goes without saying that Fred Hollows was a remarkable character. Thanks to his hard work and vision, more than one million people around the world can see today. During his time Fred received much recognition and many awards for his dedication to ending avoidable blindness. Find out about the awards.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Ellison/Outline
Fred in Bourke
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Fred had a very special relationship with Bourke, a country town in northern NSW in Australia. He spent a lot of time there and made many good and lifelong friends as a result. In accordance with his own wishes, Fred was laid to rest in Bourke, where the red dirt and mulgas signal the start of the outback, which he loved so much. Read about this special place.
Photo courtesy of The Fred Hollows Foundation
Fred on File
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Fred on File is the ultimate resource for information about Fred Hollows. Fred was a fascinating character and during his lifetime he conducted many interviews with journalists and others interested in his work. As a result, there is a lot of rich material we can draw on to learn about Fred. Explore this terrific collection of radio interviews, websites, poems and more.