The Fred Hollows Foundation is thanking the Ballina community for stepping up in 2025 to help restore sight, as international aid budgets shrink and the world’s most vulnerable face growing risks.
In the past year, more than 600 people from Ballina, including 29 new donors, have supported The Foundation by donating $205,737 to help treat hundreds of thousands of people living with avoidable blindness.
In recent months, many foreign governments have cut their aid budgets, placing many of the world’s most vulnerable people at risk. Despite this, people from NSW have shown incredible generosity, donating $10,945,547 in the past 12 months.
Generosity
Founding Director Gabi Hollows said she was buoyed by the generosity shown by the Ballina community and grateful they had chosen to support The Foundation’s work.
‘Fred used to say that the major problem with the world is the disparity between nations — but that it could be changed,’ Gabi said.
‘Nine out of 10 cases of blindness and vision impairment are preventable or treatable. Together, we can do something about it and Australians are proving that even in challenging times, community spirit can change lives.
‘Thank you Ballina for allowing us to keep Fred’s vision of ending avoidable blindness alive.’
In 2025, The Foundation performed 8.1 million eye screenings, 560 eye surgeries and treatments and treated 16.5 million people for trachoma – the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness.
One of the patients who received life-changing surgery last year was Lien, a mother-of-two, who was one of the thousands of people waiting for treatment in Laos. For three years, Lien lived with the frustration and heartbreak of blindness. The 38-year-old from Oudomxay province, in northwest Laos, was unable to work or even recognise the faces of those she loves.
Thanks to the generosity of many caring supporters, Lien was able to attend an outreach eye camp run by The Fred Hollows Foundation, where she underwent cataract surgery on both eyes. When the bandages were removed, she could see her children’s faces for the first time in years.
Big impact
The impact of restoring sight goes far beyond treating blindness. Eye health is a cornerstone for economic growth, education, and quality of life.
A new study released this year, co-authored by The Fred Hollows Foundation, showed that every dollar invested in eye health can return up to $28 in economic benefit, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ross Piper said the findings positioned eye health at the centre of efforts to transform the lives of millions of people.
‘We know that restoring sight unlocks people’s potential to succeed at school, generate income, participate in the community and to live longer and more independent lives,’ said Mr Piper.
For more information about The Fred Hollows Foundation or to help restore sight, visit www.hollows.org or call 1800 352 352.
Watch Lien’s story:
