We have reached a major milestone, with more than 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries supported across the Pacific. The announcement coincides with Fred Hollows’ posthumous birthday on 9 April, celebrating the legacy of the legendary Kiwi eye doctor whose vision was for a world where no one is needlessly blind.
“Reaching 100,000 sight-restoring surgeries is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people work together,” says Dr Audrey Aumua, our Chief Executive Officer.
“This milestone reflects the efforts of patients, local eye care teams, our partners, and supporters. We’re closing gaps in eye care, reaching underserved communities, and supporting accessible eye care for all – and together, we’ve transformed 100,000 lives.”
Fred Hollows championed the right of all people to high-quality and affordable eye care. For more than 30 years, we have carried on Fred’s vision, supporting Pacific-led eye care by restoring and preserving sight, training local eye care specialists, and building more effective and independent eye healthcare systems. This is long-term work – building services that communities can rely on.
Dr Aumua says the milestone is more than a figure to celebrate, because behind every surgery is a person whose life has been transformed – and a local team making that care possible.
“Restoring sight helps people stay in work, return to school, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. Over 100,000 surgeries means more people can see, work, go to school, and live more independently,” she says.
For people like Alexandra, a 73-year-old grandfather and Pastor from Malaita Province in Solomon Islands, sight-restoring surgery for him means he can serve his community, and his family, again.
For five years, Alexandra struggled to participate fully in work and family life due to cataracts in both eyes. He was unable to do things like cutting firewood, gardening, and playing with his grandchildren.
He struggled with these responsibilities falling to his wife and other family members: “I cannot do a lot of things and depend on others for help. I can’t prepare food – my wife has to do all the work herself,” he says.
Alexandra also feels his vision loss impacted his relationships with his loved ones: “If I have my eyes back, I feel that I can give a lot of help to my family, especially all the grandchildren – I have eight grandchildren,” Alexandra explained affectionately before surgery. “It would mean so much to me to build my relationships with all my grandchildren.”
But the thing that affected him most was his inability to read – an important skill for a man who has spent nearly 50 years preaching, teaching and counselling in his community.
“These are the things I miss most because my eyesight doesn’t work well. It’s what I really came to know that upset things most.”
Getting treatment meant a long journey – a 12-hour boat trip to Honiara – with his granddaughter by his side. Alexandra received cataract surgery on his left eye and when the patch came off, his reaction said it all. Smiling and laughing, he looked around and said, “Wow, it’s so bright.” Then: “I think it is a happy day for me – I can see again, for a long time.”
Alexandra also expressed his gratitude for the support of the New Zealand public, whose generous donations make surgeries like his possible: “A big thank you New Zealand. I really appreciate your help and your assistance for Solomon Islands. We benefit a lot.”
Alexandra’s story shows just how life-changing cataract surgery can be. But eye health is not only life-changing, it’s also a powerful investment.
Globally, research shows that every dollar invested in eye health delivers a return of $28 in low and middle-income countries – and in Pacific contexts, the returns can be even higher[1]. That means 100,000 surgeries – delivered for as little as $25 each in some contexts – represents not just restored sight, but significant value retained through stronger workforce participation, productivity, and improved education outcomes. When avoidable blindness is reduced, the benefits flow back into households, schools, local economies, and the health system itself.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but there is much more to do. Avoidable blindness still affects millions, and demand for eye care continues to grow,” says Dr Aumua.
We are working towards a future where eye health systems are inclusive, equitable, and resilient, and where people aren’t locked out of care because of cost, distance, disability, or gender. That’s why we partner with Pacific governments, stakeholders, local providers and the community as they determine, lead, and strengthen their own sustainable, high-quality eye healthcare systems – so progress continues long after any single eye surgery.
“The next chapter is about reaching people earlier, restoring sight sooner, and preventing avoidable blindness before it begins. We remain focused on strengthening eye health systems, building the local eye care workforce, and improving accessibility through inclusive care and evidence-based planning,” says Dr Aumua.
[1] Wong B, Hennessy J, Stern J, et al., The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health, Seva Foundation, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and IAPB, 2025, https://visionatlas.iapb.org/
