Fred Hollows (1929-1993) 1993
by Kerrie Lester (b.1953)
oil on hand-stitched canvases
270.0 x 120.0cm; 12.0 x 17.0cm
Gift of the artist 1999

Professor Fred Hollows AC (1929 – 1993), ophthalmologist, philanthropist. Born in New Zealand, Hollows settled in Sydney in 1965. He pioneered the treatment of trachoma and other eye diseases prevalent among Australian Aborigines, halving the incidence of curable blindness. He helped establish the Aboriginal Medical Centre in Redfern and his work over two decades raised awareness of the neglect of Aboriginal health in this country. He established the Fred Hollows Foundation to help fund the production of the intraocular lenses that cure cataract blindness, which continues his work.

Hollows was awarded numerous accolades including: Human Rights Medal (1990); Australian of the Year (1990); Rotary Award for World Understanding (1993).

The Fred Hollows Foundation:
http://www.hollows.com.au/

More on Fred Hollows: http://www.achieversodds.com.au/topachiever/fhollowsfull.htm#top