Fred Hollows Foundation: Three million lives transformed | The Canberra Times

This is branded content from the Fred Hollows Foundation

The Fred Hollows Foundation has restored sight to more than three million people worldwide and continues the work of the late Professor Fred Hollows, a world-renowned eye surgeon and humanitarian who believed that everyone – no matter where they live – should have access to affordable, high-quality eye care.

Today, the Foundation supports eye care services in more than 25 countries, working with local partners to educate doctors and healthcare professionals, strengthen health systems, and advocate for equitable access to quality eye care.

This long-term, locally-led approach reflects Fred’s belief that lasting change comes from empowering communities to care for their people.

Fred was guided by a simple but powerful principle: Medicine should serve people, not profit.

Throughout his life, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that even the most marginalized communities have access to high-quality, affordable eye care.

This vision is at the heart of the Foundation’s work today.

More than 30 years after the foundation was founded, Fred’s vision is carried on by Australians who share his vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind or visually impaired.

Many have chosen to create their own legacy of vision by including a gift to the Foundation in their will, ensuring their values ​​and compassion continue into the future.

“I always say the Fred Hollows Foundation is like a giant tapestry,” said founding director Gabi Hollows.

“Every person who contributes to our work becomes one of the threads that brings us closer to ending preventable blindness.”

Today, gifts left in wills are helping to change the lives of people like Blaise, a Rwandan man who was blind with cataracts until a visiting community eye care team reached his village.

After successful surgery, Blaise was finally able to see his mother clearly. When his eye patches were removed, he happily wrapped his arms around her.

Thanks to supporters of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Blaise and his family now have hope for a brighter future.

Gifts in wills have a deep and lasting impact.

More than one in four vision correction surgeries performed by the Foundation last year were funded by a gift left in a will.

Nadia Aden, head of bequest giving, says leaving a gift in your will is a deeply personal decision based on hopes for the future.

“It’s a really special way to continue your support,” he said.

“Leaving a gift in your will enables the next generation of surgeons to be trained, restore sight and transform the lives of more people living with preventable blindness and visual impairment.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who shares our vision, because without them this work would not be possible. Every gift left in a will is important, regardless of size.

“After taking care of your loved ones, even a small share of your estate can make a big impact.”

To find out more about Gifts in Wills please visit: hollows.org/gift-in-will

Or contact the Gifts in Wills team by emailing bequest@hollows.org or calling 1800 526 413.