Dr Sanduk Ruit: The visionary surgeon
From a remote village in Nepal to the world stage, Dr Sanduk Ruit is a true pioneer in eye care. Known as the “barefoot surgeon,” he developed a revolutionary cataract surgery technique that can be performed in under five minutes—restoring sight to thousands every year.
A close friend and mentee of Fred Hollows, Dr Ruit co-founded the Nepal Eye Program and the Tilganga Eye Centre, bringing affordable, high-quality eye care to some of the world’s poorest communities. His work has helped millions see again, proving that simple, cost-effective solutions can change lives.
Fred Hollows and Dr Ruit challenged the ophthalmic world
Mark Maina: The storyteller
Mark Maina believes in the power of storytelling to change lives. As our Global Communications Advisor in Kenya, he captures the raw, emotional moments of sight restoration—helping the world see the impact of our work.
Starting as a receptionist with a passion for photography, Mark worked his way into the field, where he now shares stories of hope and transformation from across Africa. His lens has brought the faces of patients, doctors, and families to the world, reminding us all why this work matters.
Watch Mark meet Manyeso—a blind single mother
Dr Ciku Mathenge: A leader in eye health in Africa
Dr Ciku Mathenge is shaping the future of eye care in Africa. As the first female ophthalmologist trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation in the region, she has restored sight to thousands and is helping to build a stronger, more sustainable eye health system.
Guided by The Foundation’s medical experts, Dr Ciku mastered a groundbreaking cataract surgery technique that makes sight-saving treatment more accessible. Her work is not only giving people back their vision—it’s ensuring that eye care in Africa continues to grow and reach more people in need.
Eric could have been blind forever, until Dr Ciku stepped in
Tran Van Giap: A life changed by Fred’s vision
When Giap was seven, an accident left him blind in one eye. His family searched desperately for help, but doctor after doctor told them there was nothing they could do. Then, in a crowded hospital courtyard in Hanoi, his father spotted a kind foreign doctor—Fred Hollows.
Fred examined Giap’s eyes and gave him hope. Days later, with the help of Dr Sanduk Ruit, Fred performed a sight-restoring surgery that changed Giap’s life forever.
That moment inspired Giap to work hard and give back. He became the first in his family to attend university and is now a maths teacher, shaping young minds and paying Fred’s kindness forward.
Fred’s impact lives on in people like Giap—proof that restoring sight changes lives for generations to come.
Watch Gabi Hollows visit Giáp in Vietnam, 25 years after his sight was saved by Fred
Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker: Australia's first Aboriginal ophthalmologist
Australia's first Aboriginal ophthalmologist, Dr Kris Rallah-Baker is dedicated to improving eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A proud Yuggera and Biri-Gubba man, he combines medical expertise with cultural understanding to address systemic barriers in healthcare. Through his leadership and advocacy, he is working to close the gap in eye care access and ensure Indigenous Australians receive quality treatment.
Dr Ouk Soleaphy and Dr Sok Kheng: Cambodia’s first two female ophthalmologists
Cambodia’s first two female ophthalmologists, Dr Ouk Soleaphy and Dr Sok Kheng, are leading the charge in rebuilding their country’s eye health system. Working out of Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, they provide critical eye care services to communities affected by decades of conflict and poverty. With only a small number of ophthalmologists serving the entire country, their expertise and dedication are crucial in addressing Cambodia’s high rates of avoidable blindness.
Dr Phetsamone Indara: Changing eye care in Laos
Growing up in rural Laos, Dr Phetsamone saw firsthand the struggles of living with blindness when he cared for his visually impaired great-grandmother. Determined to make a difference, he became the first permanent ophthalmologist in northern Laos. Thanks to his leadership, mobile eye camps now reach remote communities, restoring sight to thousands who would otherwise go untreated. His commitment to training new eye doctors ensures a sustainable future for eye care in Laos.
Bringing sight to remote communities
Patricia Mumbi Kania: Transforming lives across Kenya
A dedicated ophthalmic nurse in Kenya, Patricia found her calling in eye care after witnessing her father’s life-changing cataract surgery. She has since devoted her career to restoring sight and providing compassionate care to her patients. Patricia’s work at Kikuyu Eye Hospital is a testament to the power of skilled nursing in delivering quality eye care and transforming lives across Kenya.
Dr Senglar Laosern: Breaking barriers and changing lives
Dr Senglar Laosern travels hours across rugged terrain to bring eye care to remote communities in Oudomxay Province, Laos. As the second female ophthalmologist in the region, she understands the unique challenges women face in seeking treatment. She builds trust with her patients, ensuring they feel confident to undergo surgery that can restore their sight. Trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Dr Senglar is breaking barriers and changing lives.
Caren Chepengat: A vision for change
After witnessing her mother lose sight due to a lack of accessible care, Caren Chepengat was determined to become an ophthalmic clinical officer. Supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation, she trained at the Kenya Medical Training College and now leads eye care at Kapenguria Referral Hospital. As one of the few female eye surgeons in the region, Caren has inspired more women to join the field and ensured thousands receive treatment.
