The Fred Hollows Foundation and Specsavers have joined forces on a new project that will raise funds to help Close the Gap on vision loss between Indigenous and mainstream Australians.

Aboriginal artist Langaliki Langaliki – who has undergone two sight-saving operations – has given permission for her Ngura work to feature on limited edition frames.

“I can see the spinifex. I am really happy with what they’ve (Specsavers) done,” she said.

The South Australian artist lives in Pukatja, 435 kilometres south west of Alice Springs, and paints in the colourful and dramatic style for which the Ernabella region is famous.

Regaining her sight has given Langaliki the confidence to leave her aged care home to spend time with her family and concentrate on her art.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are six times more likely than other Australians to go blind, even though their children have better vision than the mainstream population. [1]

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s founding director, Gabi Hollows, has welcomed the latest project.

“It’s essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to good quality eye services,” she said. “Ninety-four per cent of adult vision loss is preventable or treatable, sometimes overnight. That’s why funding is vital.” 

“Specsavers initiatives like this help us carry out sight restoring work not just here, but around the world.”

The company already makes a donation to The Foundation through its Specsavers Community Program.

“We are delighted to further extend our support to The Foundation via this initiative of a limited edition frame,” said Mr Larsen, optometrist and Professional Services Director at Specsavers.

The limited edition frame will retail exclusively at Specsavers from March 27 within the ‘2 pairs for $199’ range. $25 from each frame sold will be donated to The Foundation.

Specsavers has raised more than $900,000 for The Foundation in Australia and New Zealand, and the company is aiming to reach the $1 million mark this year.

[1] Indigenous Eye Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, April 2013.Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision, The University of Melbourne.