In 1980, almost 40 years ago, Australian ophthalmologist Fred Hollows crossed paths with Abdul Dirani. Abdul had suffered a serious workplace injury that threatened his eyesight and ultimately his ability to provide for his growing family. With a pregnant wife at home, Abdul prayed for a solution. That solution came in the form of Fred Hollows.
Fred was not your typical ophthalmologist - he took risks, he rocked the boat and on this particular occasion, he once again proved sceptics wrong by successfully saving Abdul’s eyesight.
For Fred, Abdul was another patient who needed his help. For Abdul, successful eye surgery was a lifeline that provided him with the healthy vision he needed to support his wife, his ten children at home, plus the additional two who would eventually follow.
What is significant about this story is that Mo, Abdul's son, is now an eye scientist and entrepreneur who carries the same passion to help others, particularly those in most need.
“At the end of the day, caring about people is what being human is all about – I believe that was Fred’s motto. This is my way of giving back and helping adults and children have their vision back, the same way Fred helped my father.”
-Dr. Mo Dirani
