ACT residents have contributed more than $1.6 million to the Fred Hollows Foundation over the past year, helping restore sight to thousands of people as international aid budgets shrink.
New figures released by the charity show 4,440 Canberrans — including 193 new donors — supported its work this year. Their combined donations totalled $1,628,366 at a time when many foreign governments have reduced foreign aid, placing extra pressure on eye-health programs in low-income countries.
Founding Director Gabi Hollows said the response from the ACT community had been buoyant and humbling.
“Fred used to say that the major problem with the world is the disparity between nations — but that it could be changed,” she said. “Nine out of 10 cases of blindness and vision impairment are preventable or treatable. Together, we can do something about it and Australians are proving that even in challenging times, community spirit can change lives.”
The Foundation’s 2025 work included 8.1 million eye screenings; 560 eye surgeries and treatments; 16.5 million people treated for trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide.
One of those helped was Lien, a mother of two from Oudomxay province in Laos. She had been blind for two years, and was unable to work or even to recognise her children’s faces. Donations from Australian supporters enabled her to attend a Fred Hollows Foundation outreach eye camp for cataract surgery in both eyes. When her bandages were removed, she saw her family clearly for the first time in years.
Chief executive Ross Piper said restoring sight remains one of the most cost-effective health interventions available: a new study shows that every dollar invested in eye health can generate up to $28 in economic return.
“Restoring sight unlocks people’s potential to succeed at school, generate income, participate in their community and live more independent lives,” he said.
More information about The Fred Hollows Foundation, or how to support its work, is available at www.hollows.org or 1800 352 352.
