Collection of correspondence and papers from Ross W Harris including correspondence with Professor Fred Hollows

Historical Significance: Notes on Item 1. Frederick "Fred" Cossom Hollows, AC (1929 - 1993) was a NSW ophthalmologist who became known for his work in restoring eyesight for countless thousands of people in Australia and many other countries. It has been estimated that more than one million people in the world can see today because of initiatives instigated by Hollows, the most notable example being The Fred Hollows Foundation. Hollows was born and educated in New Zealand and studied ophthalmology in England. He moved to Australia in 1965 to be associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. From 1965-1992 he chaired the ophthalmology division overseeing the teaching departments at the University of New South Wales, and the Prince of Wales and Prince Henry hospitals. He was appointed specially to teach optometry students at the University of NSW because NSW ophthalmologists refused to do so, thus preventing optometrists from obtaining the necessary qualifications to allow them to use diagnostic drugs, as had be legislated by the NSW State government. Ross Harris was organiser of the Southern Regional Conference in 1967 (then run jointly by the ACO and the AOA Vic) and he asked the newly arrived professor to lecture. Hollows agreed but he was nobbled by his colleagues and withdrew. He never taught optometry students at the University NSW even though that was the primary reason for his appointment. See Hollows autobiography Cat No 613.