Fred Hollows: An Autobiography

Historical Significance: Frederick Cossom (Fred) Hollows, AO (1985) AC (1991) BA MBBA FRACO (1929-1993) was an ophthalmologist widely known for his work in restoring eyesight for aboriginal people in Australia and in developing countries. He was born in New Zealand, the son of truck driver, and studied medicine at the Otago Medical School. He was a rough diamond, whose speech and autobiography were filled with expletives. He was once an active member of the Communist Party of NZ. He studied ophthalmology in Wales, UK, and came to Australia in 1965 as Associate Professor of ophthalmology at the University of NSW. He was appointed specifically to teach optometry students diseases of the eye to break an impass with the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists, who boycotted such teaching to prevent optometrists being able to use diagnostic drugs. He reneged on that commitment and despite early support for optometry, became a hostile opponent. In the 1970s, Hollows visited isolated NSW towns, stations and Aboriginal communities and became especially concerned with the high number of Aborigines who had eye disorders. In 1971, he set up the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern in Sydney, and was subsequently responsible for the establishment of medical services for Aboriginal People throughout Australia. Hollows himself spent three years visiting Aboriginal communities to provide eye care and carry out a survey of eye defects. He also worked to provide medical and surgical eye care in Eritrea. He established intraocular lens laboratories in Eritrea and Nepal