Fred Hollows

Fred Hollows

Fred Hollows
Born	Frederick Cossom Hollows 9 April 1929 Dunedin, New Zealand
Died	February 10, 1993(1993-02-10) (aged 63) Sydney, Australia
Nationality	New Zealand-Australian
Occupation	Ophthalmologist
Known for	Founding the Fred Hollows Foundation

Frederick Cossom Hollows (9 April 1929 – 10 February 1993) was a New Zealand-Australian ophthalmologist known for his work in restoring eyesight for thousands of people in Australia and other countries. He was a founder of the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Early life and education

Fred Hollows was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and grew up in Dunedin, New Zealand. He attended Nabua Primary School and Palmerston North Boys' High School. He initially studied to become a minister but later decided to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the University of Otago with a degree in medicine and later specialized in ophthalmology.

Career

Hollows moved to Australia in 1965, where he became the Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales. He was instrumental in establishing the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program, which aimed to address the high rates of trachoma and other eye conditions in Indigenous Australian communities.

The Fred Hollows Foundation

In 1992, Hollows founded the Fred Hollows Foundation, an international development organization focused on treating and preventing blindness and other vision problems. The foundation continues to operate in over 25 countries, providing eye care and training local eye health workers.

Personal life

Hollows was married to Gabi Hollows, and they had five children. He became an Australian citizen in 1989. Hollows was diagnosed with renal cancer in 1989 and passed away on 10 February 1993 in Sydney, Australia.

Legacy

Fred Hollows' work has had a lasting impact on global eye health. The Fred Hollows Foundation continues to carry on his mission, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.

Awards and honors

• Companion of the Order of Australia
• Australian of the Year (1990)
• New Zealand Order of Merit

See also

• Ophthalmology
• Fred Hollows Foundation
• Trachoma
• Indigenous Australians