Philanthropy
What's the wider economic impact of your donation?
Vision loss places a massive financial burden on people affected, their families and their communities.
World-first research by The Fred Hollows Foundation, in partnership with Victoria University’s Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, has found that, on average, every $US1 invested in treating cataract delivers an economic return of $US20.50. The benefits of restoring sight create significant economic returns, including increased labour force participation and productivity, and improved education and learning.
The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to investing in eye health to help address the cycle of poverty and create healthier communities. Keep reading to learn about a few stories of people who have not only had their sight restored but also their economic independence.
World-first research by The Fred Hollows Foundation, in partnership with Victoria University’s Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, has found that, on average, every $US1 invested in treating cataract delivers an economic return of $US20.50. The benefits of restoring sight create significant economic returns, including increased labour force participation and productivity, and improved education and learning.
The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to investing in eye health to help address the cycle of poverty and create healthier communities. Keep reading to learn about a few stories of people who have not only had their sight restored but also their economic independence.
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Empowering factory workers
The Fred Hollows Foundation is dedicated to empowering factory workers through improved vision.
The Foundation has successfully screened over 15,000 female factory workers in Vietnam for vision problems. Many workers were diagnosed with correctable vision impairments through these screenings, with The Foundation providing prescription glasses.
The impact on the lives of these workers has been transformative. Improved vision has not only enhanced their work performance and productivity but also improved their overall quality of life. Clearer vision allows them to perform their tasks more efficiently, reduces eye strain and minimises the risk of workplace accidents.
The Foundation's focus on empowering women has promoted gender equality and equal opportunities, creating a more equitable work environment.
Photo Credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation
Abdul is a hardworking father and the sole breadwinner of his family. Abdul works as a labourer, often travelling far to neighbouring provinces for work to support his large family of seven.
As he noticed his vision deteriorating, he had serious concerns about his family's future.
Abdul unexpectedly learnt of the Medical University Eye Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan when his wife needed specialist treatment at the nearby maternity hospital. The Hospital is supported by HealthNet TPO, with funding from The Fred Hollows Foundation. The Hospital facilitated his surgery to address his vision impairment.
The impact of the surgery on Abdul’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He regained his independence and confidence. He could once again fulfil his responsibilities, provide for his family and actively engage with his community.
As he noticed his vision deteriorating, he had serious concerns about his family's future.
Abdul unexpectedly learnt of the Medical University Eye Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan when his wife needed specialist treatment at the nearby maternity hospital. The Hospital is supported by HealthNet TPO, with funding from The Fred Hollows Foundation. The Hospital facilitated his surgery to address his vision impairment.
The impact of the surgery on Abdul’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He regained his independence and confidence. He could once again fulfil his responsibilities, provide for his family and actively engage with his community.
Photographer: HealthNet TPO
Ashfaq's story
Ashfaq is a 41-year-old pastor who has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to serving his community in the district of Khanewal, a Punjab Province located in Pakistan.
Known for his wisdom and trusted advice, Ashfaq holds a special place in the hearts of his community members. In partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, Ashfaq received eye care training. He has since become a champion for eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness within his community.
The Fred Hollows Foundation often supports community leaders like Ashfaq and provided him with training in basic eye care, awareness sessions, and organising referrals to local hospitals to assist his community in awareness of eye care services and the prevention of avoidable blindness.
After the training, Ashfaq diligently worked to ensure his community was aware of this information. As a result of his hard work, more than 800 community members were screened during eye camps, and more than 25 people’s sight was restored from cataract. They can now live a life of economic independence and support their families and communities.
Known for his wisdom and trusted advice, Ashfaq holds a special place in the hearts of his community members. In partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, Ashfaq received eye care training. He has since become a champion for eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness within his community.
The Fred Hollows Foundation often supports community leaders like Ashfaq and provided him with training in basic eye care, awareness sessions, and organising referrals to local hospitals to assist his community in awareness of eye care services and the prevention of avoidable blindness.
After the training, Ashfaq diligently worked to ensure his community was aware of this information. As a result of his hard work, more than 800 community members were screened during eye camps, and more than 25 people’s sight was restored from cataract. They can now live a life of economic independence and support their families and communities.
Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation
Fehmida's story
Fehmida is a hardworking 38-year-old bangle worker living in a remote town in Hyderabad, a city in Pakistan. Her job involves welding bangles on a traditional gas lamp in dimly lit, stuffy rooms. Despite the challenging conditions, she has been dedicated to her work for the past 15 years, earning around PKR 250 ($2 USD) per day.
However, Fehmida began to notice her vision deteriorating, making her job even more difficult. The thought of going blind and becoming dependent on her family weighed heavily on her mind.
Fehmida chose to keep her deteriorating vision a secret from her siblings and didn't seek help due to their financial struggles. She silently carried the burden, fearing the consequences of losing her sight and the impact it would have on her life.
One day a health worker visited Fehmida's home. She encouraged Fehmida to visit a free eye camp organised at the Tehsil Headquarters hospital with support from The Fred Hollows Foundation and the College of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (COAVS).
Thanks to the support of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Fehmida was able to access surgery to remove her cataract.
With her sight restored, Fehmida has been able to return to work and contribute to her family's income and basic needs.
However, Fehmida began to notice her vision deteriorating, making her job even more difficult. The thought of going blind and becoming dependent on her family weighed heavily on her mind.
Fehmida chose to keep her deteriorating vision a secret from her siblings and didn't seek help due to their financial struggles. She silently carried the burden, fearing the consequences of losing her sight and the impact it would have on her life.
One day a health worker visited Fehmida's home. She encouraged Fehmida to visit a free eye camp organised at the Tehsil Headquarters hospital with support from The Fred Hollows Foundation and the College of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (COAVS).
Thanks to the support of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Fehmida was able to access surgery to remove her cataract.
With her sight restored, Fehmida has been able to return to work and contribute to her family's income and basic needs.
Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation
Nghia's story
Nghia is an 8th grader from a rural area in Hai Duong province, Vietnam.
Nghia realised he had a vision problem when he started having trouble reading the letters on the blackboard in his classroom. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to see clearly.
Nghia's teacher, Ms Ha Thi Quynh, noticed his constant squinting while trying to read the board. Clearly, his vision problem was affecting his ability to pay attention during lessons. Luckily, Ms Quynh had received training from The Fred Hollows Foundation on identifying vision problems and conducting eye screenings.
Ms Quynh diagnosed Nghia withmyopia, which could be easily solved by providing him with a pair of glasses.
When Nghia received his glasses, a whole new world opened up for him. He became more sociable with his classmates, actively participating in class discussions, and activities.
He now has a chance to pursue higher education, allowing him to obtain the skills needed to find work and live a life of economic independence.
Nghia realised he had a vision problem when he started having trouble reading the letters on the blackboard in his classroom. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to see clearly.
Nghia's teacher, Ms Ha Thi Quynh, noticed his constant squinting while trying to read the board. Clearly, his vision problem was affecting his ability to pay attention during lessons. Luckily, Ms Quynh had received training from The Fred Hollows Foundation on identifying vision problems and conducting eye screenings.
Ms Quynh diagnosed Nghia with
When Nghia received his glasses, a whole new world opened up for him. He became more sociable with his classmates, actively participating in class discussions, and activities.
He now has a chance to pursue higher education, allowing him to obtain the skills needed to find work and live a life of economic independence.
Photographer: The Fred Hollows Foundation
Help us restore sight and give more people independence
Donate today to help provide sight-saving surgery to more people with a one-off gift or with a monthly donation.
COVER PHOTO: The Fred Hollows Foundation
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