Is Fred Hollows an Australian Citizen?
Fred Cossom Hollows, known as Fred Hollows, was indeed an Australian citizen. Born on April 9, 1929, in Dunedin, New Zealand, Hollows later became an Australian citizen and is renowned for his remarkable contributions to eye health care both in Australia and around the globe.
Hollows was known for his passion to eradicate preventable blindness and provide quality eye care services to those in need, especially in developing countries. His dedication and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on countless lives, making him an iconic figure in the field of ophthalmology.
The Life and Achievements of Fred Hollows
Fred Hollows' journey towards becoming an Australian citizen began when he moved to Australia in 1965. He initially worked as a registrar at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. During this period, he witnessed the harsh reality faced by Indigenous Australians when it came to eye health and realized the urgent need for intervention.
In 1968, Hollows established the first Department of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales, where he trained a generation of eye doctors. He further established the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, Sydney, which aimed to provide accessible and comprehensive healthcare to Indigenous Australians.
Hollows believed that no one should be denied the right to sight due to their socio-economic status, ethnicity, or geographical location. His strong commitment led to the establishment of the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program in 1976. This initiative focused on treating and preventing trachoma, a preventable eye disease that causes irreversible blindness if untreated, among Indigenous communities.
Recognizing the global significance of his work, Hollows founded the Fred Hollows Foundation in 1992. This non-profit organization continues his mission to provide quality eye care services in underserved communities worldwide. The foundation works tirelessly to tackle various eye health issues, especially cataracts, which account for a significant proportion of blindness cases.
Frequently Asked Question:
What were Fred Hollows' major accomplishments?
Fred Hollows achieved numerous milestones during his career as an ophthalmologist and as an advocate for social justice in eye health care. Some of his major accomplishments include:
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Establishing the first Department of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales.
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Founding the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, Sydney.
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Initiating the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program, focused on preventing and treating trachoma among Indigenous communities.
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Founding the Fred Hollows Foundation to continue providing eye care services globally.
Fred Hollows' legacy as a compassionate and dedicated eye care pioneer lives on. His work continues to inspire future generations to strive for equitable access to eye health care and a world where preventable blindness becomes a thing of the past.