We are delighted to announce International Rugby Referee and Medical Doctor Ben O’Keeffe as a new Ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
As one of New Zealand’s most recognised rugby officials, O’Keeffe brings a strong public profile to the role. He also brings a deep personal connection to eye health and the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows.
Before becoming a familiar figure on rugby fields in New Zealand and around the world, O’Keeffe trained and worked as a doctor, including time as an ophthalmology and plastic surgeon registrar. He also co-founded oDocs Eye Care, a social enterprise that develops smartphone-based tools to support affordable and accessible eye care.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr Audrey Aumua, says O’Keeffe’s unique combination of public profile, medical expertise and a long-standing commitment to eye health made him a strong fit for the organisation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ben as an Ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ. He brings a genuine understanding and interest in eye health and the life-changing impact of restoring sight. Ben’s support will help us raise awareness of avoidable blindness and the importance of accessible eye care across the Pacific.”
O’Keeffe says he’s proud to support an organisation built on the legacy and vision of legendary Kiwi eye doctor, Professor Fred Hollows.
“Fred Hollows is someone I’ve long admired. He changed countless lives by restoring sight and helped shape ophthalmology in ways that are still felt today. It is an honour to support that legacy as an Ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.”
Globally, 9 out of 10 people who are blind, don’t need to be, their condition is preventable or treatable. In many cases, a short 20-minute operation can restore sight. Yet millions in the Pacific face barriers to accessing the eye care they need.
We are committed to changing this and work with partners across the Pacific to restore sight, train local eye health specialists and strengthen local eye health systems, so communities can access the care they need closer to home.
“Through my own work in medicine and eye health, I’ve seen the difference timely care can make,” O’Keeffe says. “I’m looking forward to helping build awareness and support for The Foundation’s work, so more people can get the treatment they need, more local specialists can be trained, and eye care services can continue to improve across the Pacific.”
