A 15-minute surgery can change a life
In July 2024, Turia joined The Foundation on a remarkable eye health intensive in the Northern Territory. She witnessed something truly incredible – eight Aboriginal patients had their sight restored after years of waiting for cataract surgery. This intensive was organised and funded by The Foundation in collaboration with Deadly Enterprises, and it was made possible thanks to the generous support of people from around the world.
The surgeries were performed by Australia's first Aboriginal ophthalmologist, Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker, who has been working with us for over 10 years, providing vital eye health services to remote communities.
Photo credit: Michael Amendolia
See the impact through Turia’s eyes
“A goosebump moment”
Reflecting on the intensive, Turia said:
"Watching Dr Kris work was just incredible. He’s so focused and efficient, and to see him mentoring other doctors and performing surgery on an Aboriginal patient — it gave me goosebumps.
“What was so surprising to me was the impact that surgery will have on the patient. It’s 15 minutes in the operating room but for the patient it’s potentially having decades of good vision — which is just amazing."
Carrying Fred's legacy forward
“I am delighted to be an ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundation, which is doing critical work to restore sight and prevent blindness," Turia said.
"I grew up in Australia seeing Fred’s face in public and understanding he had a vivid legacy. I never really thought about how important sight was until my own experiences taught me that good health is everything and eyes help us do so many things that we take for granted – like running, driving and reading."
Fred's work touched so many lives, and through ambassadors like Turia, his mission continues to inspire and change the world, one sight-restoring surgery at a time.
Your support makes sight possible
The life-changing surgeries that Turia witnessed in Darwin were made possible by generous people like you.
"It’s really only thanks to the generous donors of The Fred Hollows Foundation that we’re able to make it happen,” Turia says. "I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous difference this makes in patients’ lives, and I truly believe you can’t put a price on that."
Join Turia's team and support The Foundation today. Every bit counts.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
