Photo courtesy of Frank Violi

Achievements at a Glance

  • Pioneered the introduction of modern cataract surgery to developing countries, helping restore the sight of thousands 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 devleoping world.
  • Named as Australian of the Year in 1990 in recognition of his ground-breaking work.
  • Received Rotary International's highest honour, the Rotary Award for World Understanding. 
  • Included in The Bulletin Magazine's list of the 100 most influential Australians.