Fred Hollows: A Global Vision Photographic Exhibition

mivision | 27 October 2011

The legacy of the late Australian eye surgeon, Professor Fred Hollows, whose work resulted in sight being restored to millions of people, can be seen in a new photography exhibition entitled ‘Fred Hollows: A Global Vision’. The images, which have been exclusively provided to mivision by the Fred Hollows Foundation for presentation to the optical profession, are being exhibited at NSW Parliament House this month (November).

Fred Hollows: A global vision features the work of internationally recognised photographers including Michael Amendolia whose series on Fred working in Vietnam during his last few months has come to symbolise the extraordinary life of this great Australian.

The rare collection of works also features photographs by Walkley nominee Brendan Esposito from the Sydney Morning Herald, as well as Hugh Rutherford, Lannon Harley, Jon Reid and Barry Skipsey, who have documented The Fred Hollows Foundation's more recent work around the world.

Prior to his death in 1993, Fred Hollows dedicated every aspect of his life to eradicating avoidable blindness among some of the world's most disadvantaged people. He was also a tireless advocate for Indigenous health equality here in Australia.

The exhibition draws on his early work in outback Australia, where Fred led a groundbreaking campaign to treat and record eye disease in remote Aboriginal communities. It also highlights the instrumental role he played to introduce modern cataract surgery techniques and affordable eye care in Eritrea, Nepal and Vietnam.

One year before his death, The Fred Hollows Foundation was established to continue Fred's legacy. It now works in more than 18 countries around the world and has helped restore sight to millions of people. The exhibition of over 40 photographic works tells the stories of just some of the people who have received the gift of sight through The Foundation, thanks to the support of generous Australians.

Fred Hollows: A global vision will be displayed in the Fountain Court Foyer in NSW Parliament House throughout November.

To see the exhibition online go to: www.hollows.org.au/nsw-parliament-exhibition