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Improving Health Systems

The Fred Hollows Foundation began more than 30 years ago as a direct-action organization, partnering with local entities to train health workers and provide sight-saving surgeries and eye health interventions. Over the years, we’ve evolved, recognising that to effectively combat avoidable blindness, we must address the issue at a systemic level. 

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Our vision for local impact

Fred famously said, “Teach the teachers first, then the teachers can teach others.” This idea is at the heart of our mission. Ensuring there is local capacity to address the local eye health needs is at the very core of what we do. 

Sustainable systems are not built through supporting fly-in-fly-out services or simply subsidising the delivery of cataract surgeries. Sustainable change requires investment in the building blocks of the health system – building up the eye care workforce, building infrastructure, and investing in leadership, data and the policies and institutions that keep the system running and developing over time.  

The Foundation works in partnership with local communities to strengthen and improve their eye health systems. Our ultimate aim is to establish sustainable systems that deliver high quality eye care to those most in need, and put the country on a pathway to eliminating avoidable blindness.  

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Our commitment to care

     The driving force behind our efforts is a commitment to social justice and equity in health care. Avoidable blindness is a critical issue that disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. By addressing systemic barriers and enhancing eye health services, we are working towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to see clearly and fulfil their potential. Our work is grounded in the belief that sight is a fundamental human right, and we are dedicated to making this a reality for all.  

“Teach the teachers first, then the teachers can teach others.”

Fred Hollows
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