Aunty B's Story

For Senior Elder Aunty B, sight is more than the ability to see the world around her.

It is a connection to Country, culture and the ancestors who guide her work as a healer, teacher and keeper of ancient Aboriginal knowledge.

Aunty B is a respected Elder of the Larrakia Nation of Darwin in the Northern Territory. She is also an academic, healer and teacher of Aboriginal spirituality and healing, sharing knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

But when cataracts began affecting her vision, the work she loves became more difficult.

A chance to see clearly again

In 2024, Aunty B received cataract surgery through an eye surgery intensive organised by The Fred Hollows Foundation and Deadly Enterprises at Darwin Private Hospital.

She had her left eye operated on in April, followed by surgery on her right eye in July.

The procedures were performed by Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker, Australia’s first Aboriginal ophthalmologist and a Warangu, Yuggera and Wiradjuri man.

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Following several follow-up appointments, Dr Kris confirmed that Aunty B’s vision had been restored to 20/20.

For Aunty B, regaining her sight meant being able to continue her important work as an educator and healer.

Reconnecting with her role as a healer

With her vision restored, Aunty B looked forward to using her eyes again to continue the work she has dedicated her life to.

“I’ll be able to see what the ancestors show me – to do my work as a Gurdimin-ba Bali, a spirit doctor,” she said.

“So you’re a major healer. The ancestors will be really, really happy with you.”

For Aunty B, sight is deeply connected to her ability to care for others, share knowledge and continue her spiritual practice.

Why access to eye care matters

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Aunty B knows how important sight is for people living in remote communities.

Without access to timely eye care, vision loss can affect a person’s ability to connect with Country, maintain independence, participate in community life and support future generations.

She shared her gratitude with supporters of The Fred Hollows Foundation who help make sight-saving surgeries possible.

“Thank you for giving life back to people,” Aunty B said.

 

“It would be almost impossible to survive in remote communities without eyesight… to go out to Country and hunt and gather. And for young ones to get an education, sight is critical.”

Strengthening eye health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

The Fred Hollows Foundation continues Fred Hollows’ legacy of working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve access to eye care.

Through partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, health services and community leaders, The Foundation supports initiatives that help people access culturally safe, timely eye care closer to home.

For Elders like Aunty B, restoring sight means more than improving vision — it helps ensure important knowledge, culture and connection can continue to be shared for generations to come.

The Foundation’s work in Australia

In 2025, together with our Indigenous Australia Program partners, The Fred Hollows Foundation achieved:

• 21,827 people screened
• 3,885 eye operations and treatments, including:
  • 246 cataract operations
  • 3,476 diabetic retinopathy treatments
• 4,537 pairs of glasses distributed
• 1,270 school children and community members educated in eye health and sanitation
• 32 community health workers trained