Skip to content
logo_australian-government-department-of-health-disability-and-ageing.svg
Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile.
Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.
  1. Home/
  2. Information partners/
  3. Fred Hollows Foundation

Find a health service

Search now
Fred Hollows Foundation

Fred Hollows Foundation

Visit their website
The Fred Hollows Foundation is an international development organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness and improving Indigenous Australian health.

The Foundation is independent, not-for-profit, politically unaligned and secular. It now works in more than 25 countries and has restored sight to over three million people worldwide.

The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Directors, which includes Founding Director Gabi Hollows. CEO, Ian Wishart, leads day-to-day operations and Fred's great mate and fellow humanitarian, Dr Sanduk Ruit advises.

Vision and mission

The Fred Hollows Foundation has a very clear goals – putting an end to avoidable blindness, restoring sight, fighting for change and empowering communities.

The Foundation has a fierce determination to improve the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The Foundation works towards a world where no person is needlessly blind or vision impaired. For everyone, no matter whether they're rich or poor, to have the right to high quality and affordable eye care.

How The Fred Hollows Foundation can help

When someone's sight is restored, it gives them a chance for a better life. They're able to work, go to school and provide for their families.

The Fred Hollows Foundation focus is on preventable and treatable diseases such as cataract, trachoma and diabetic retinopathy. 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 understanding of avoidable blindness, then use findings to implement strategies and advocate for change.

Information / help lines

  • Call 1800 352 352 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST

Programs, apps and tools

  • Indigenous Australia programs

Recommended links

  • Home
  • Ending avoidable blindness
  • Our stories
  • Where The Foundation works

Information from this partner


Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
logo-pbb.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.

About
About Pregnancy, Birth and BabyAbout our contentInformation partnersOur privacy commitmentTerms of useHow we use AIPromotional material
Explore
A to Z topicsDue date calculatorFind local health servicesGlossary of pregnancy and labourPregnancy and parenting in picturesPregnancy and baby appsSymptom Checker
Connect
Contact usVideo callNewslettersLink to usConsumer engagement

Follow

logo_dep-health_white.svglogo-hda-white.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.