Gabi Hollows facts for kids

Gabrielle Beryl Hollows, often called Gabi Hollows, is an amazing Australian who helps people see better. She was born on May 21, 1953. Gabi is an orthoptist, which means she helps people with eye movement problems and vision issues. She is known as an "Australian Living Treasure" because of her important work. She also received the Advance Australia Award for helping her community. Gabi was married to a famous eye doctor, Fred Hollows, from 1980 until he passed away in 1993.

Gabi's Early Life

Gabi Hollows was born in Newcastle, New South Wales. She grew up on a fruit farm near Gosford in New South Wales. When she was only three years old, Gabi had eye surgery. This experience made her interested in medicine and helping others with their eyes.

Her Important Career

Becoming an Orthoptist

In 1972, Gabi finished her studies and became an orthoptist. An orthoptist is a healthcare professional who specializes in how eyes move and work together. They help people with problems like crossed eyes or lazy eye.

Working with Fred Hollows

Gabi met Fred Hollows during her training. Together, they joined a big project called the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program. This program aimed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. They worked to find and treat eye problems, especially a disease called trachoma.

For three years, Gabi and Fred visited over 465 remote communities. They helped more than 100,000 people. Gabi and Fred got married in 1980 and had five children. She continued to work with Fred until he passed away in 1993.

Continuing the Legacy

After Fred's death, Gabi kept his important work going through The Fred Hollows Foundation. This foundation helps people in Australia and other countries. Their goal is to end preventable blindness. In 1996, Gabi married lawyer John Balazs.

Awards and Special Honours

Recognized for Community Service

In 2001, Gabi Hollows received the Centenary Medal. This award honored her for her great work in community welfare and development.

Officer of the Order of Australia

In 2013, Gabi was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is a very high honor in Australia. She received it for her "distinguished service to public health." This means she did amazing work helping people's health. She was recognized especially for her efforts to stop blindness, both for Indigenous Australians and people in developing countries.

Impact 25 Awards

In 2021, Gabi Hollows was named one of the top 25 Australians making a positive difference. This was part of the Impact 25 Awards. She also won a special Judge's Choice Award for her excellent teamwork and collaboration.