Gabi Hollows facts for kids
Gabrielle Beryl Hollows, often called Gabi Hollows, is an amazing Australian eye expert. She is known as an "Australian Living Treasure" because of her important work. She has won awards for helping communities. Gabi was married to Fred Hollows, a famous eye doctor, from 1980 until he passed away in 1993.
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Early Life
Growing Up
Gabi Hollows was born in a city called Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. She grew up on a fruit farm near Gosford. When she was only three years old, she had eye surgery. This experience made her interested in medicine and helping people with their eyes.
Career
Helping Eyesight
In 1972, Gabi finished her studies and became an orthoptist. An orthoptist is a special eye care professional. They help people with eye movement problems and other vision issues.
Working with Fred Hollows
During her training, Gabi met Fred Hollows. They started working together on a big project. This project was called the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program. Its goal was to find and treat eye problems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. One common problem was trachoma, an eye infection that can cause blindness.
Over three years, Gabi and Fred visited more than 465 remote communities. They helped over 100,000 people with their eye conditions. Gabi and Fred married in 1980 and had five children. She worked with Fred until he passed away in 1993.
Continuing the Work
After Fred's death, Gabi continued their important work. She did this through The Fred Hollows Foundation. This foundation helps people see again, both in Australia and in other countries. In 1996, Gabi married a lawyer named John Balazs.
Awards and Honours
Recognized for Service
In 2001, Gabi Hollows received the Centenary Medal. This award was for her great service to community welfare and development.
In 2013, Gabi was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is a very high honour. She received it for her excellent work in public health. She was recognized for helping to stop blindness, especially for Indigenous Australians and people in developing countries.
In 2021, Gabi Hollows was named one of the top 25 Australians. These are people who are creating positive change. She also won a special Judge's Choice Award for her work in bringing people together.
