7 Things My Dad Taught Me About Changing Lives

One of the greatest lessons my dad, Fred Hollows, taught me is that changing lives starts with the belief that everyone deserves a fair go. As a child, I watched him dedicate his life to helping others with passion, grit, and an unwavering belief in humanity—qualities that left a mark on everyone he met, especially me. He showed me that changing lives isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small, meaningful actions that create ripples of impact.    

Here are seven things he taught me about making a difference: 

1. Everyone deserves a fair go

As Dad famously said, “Every eye is an eye.” He believed that everyone, no matter where they came from or how much money they had, deserved the same opportunity to live with dignity. He didn’t see borders or labels—he saw people in need.

This lesson taught me the importance of fairness and equity. Whether it was a farmer in outback Australia or a child in Africa, Dad made sure they received the care they deserved.

2. It’s about dignity, not just charity

For Dad, restoring someone’s sight wasn’t just about giving them back their vision—it was about restoring their independence, their pride, and their place in the community.

He believed that when you helped someone, you should empower them to help themselves. That’s why he focused on training local doctors and nurses. Dad knew that real change came from within communities, not from outside them.

Dad operates on a patient alongside Giddhartha Ranjit from Nepal, with my sister, Emma, and I watching on and doing our best to help.  

Photo: Newspix 

3. One person can start a movement 

When Dad saw a problem, he didn’t wait for someone else to step in—he acted. Whether it was advocating for affordable intraocular lenses, setting up sustainable systems or fighting to bring eye care to remote areas, he wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

His determination taught all of us that even one person with a vision and a plan can inspire others and create lasting change.

4. Compassion and action go hand in hand

Dad was fiercely compassionate. He couldn’t stand to see people suffer needlessly, and he refused to accept that things couldn’t be changed. But his compassion wasn’t passive—it was backed by relentless action.

He showed us that feeling deeply for others is powerful, but it’s what you do with that feeling that truly makes a difference and can even make a difference long after you are gone.

Dad examining a young boy’s eyes in Vietnam in the early ‘90s. 

Photo: Michael Amendolia 

5. Never stop dreaming big 

Dad had big dreams, but he was also a man of action. He dreamed of a world where avoidable blindness was eliminated, and then he worked tirelessly to make it a reality.

Even when faced with setbacks, he never stopped believing that change was possible. He inspired me—and so many others—to dream big and never give up.

6. Small actions have big impact 

Dad believed that even the smallest actions could create a ripple effect. Performing a single cataract surgery didn’t just restore someone’s sight—it helped them return to work, support their family, and regain their confidence. That small incision and tiny piece of plastic don’t just restore sight – they change lives.

Fred taught so many people that change doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the simple, consistent acts of kindness that make the biggest difference.

It’s a privilege to see The Foundation now, 32 years since Dad passed. Here I am in Rwanda a few months ago at Kibagabaga Hospital, meeting with patients who have just had their sight restored. It was one of the best days of my life. 

Photo: Hugh Rutherford, 2024 

7. Listen, think and act  

Dad had a knack for connecting with people. He didn’t just show up with solutions—he listened, asked questions, and worked alongside communities to understand their unique needs.

This taught me that real change starts with listening. It’s about respecting people’s experiences and working with them to find the best way forward. 

Carrying Dad’s vision forward 

Photo: Hugh Rutherford, 2024 

Today, as we continue the work Dad started, I often reflect on his lessons. They remind me that changing lives isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we do it. It’s about treating people with respect, taking action, and believing in the power of humanity.

Thank you for being part of Dad’s legacy. Together, we’re proving that his vision lives on.

You can carry Fred’s dream forward by helping restore sight and changing lives. Donate today and be part of this life-changing mission.