Blackwoods has proudly partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation since 2010, donating 10% of profits from PROSAFE eyewear sales to the Indigenous Australia Program. This partnership reinforces our commitment to reconciliation and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the countless women who dedicate their lives to improving healthcare in underserved regions—women like Dr. Nour, whose resilience, compassion, and expertise bring hope and clarity to those who need it most. Their tireless efforts embody the spirit of sight restoration at the heart of our mission.
As one of The Fred Hollows Foundation Fellows, Dr. Nour plays a pivotal role in delivering essential eye care to remote and regional communities across Western Australia. Working as a senior doctor in the specialist mobile ophthalmology unit known as the Vision Van, she travels to areas where access to eye care is limited,
ensuring that individuals who might otherwise go without treatment have the chance to restore their vision.
Covering 28 diverse communities across Western Australia, Nour quickly recognized the multifaceted nature of her role. “Each day is unpredictable, often presenting logistical challenges,” she explains. From vehicle maintenance and staffing limitations to ensuring the van is stocked with medical supplies, every aspect requires careful coordination. “I found myself acting not only as a doctor but also as a driver, a trusted confidant for patients, and a problem-solver—all while staying focused on our mission to restore sight.”
This dynamic environment called for resourcefulness and adaptability—skills rarely required in traditional clinical settings. The medical challenges she encountered were equally diverse, ranging from chronic conditions that could lead to blindness to trauma-related injuries and infections, particularly among children. “The team dynamic was crucial,” Nour emphasizes. “Understanding each team member’s strengths and needs was essential, especially when moving between communities with distinct healthcare challenges. Each location presented unique barriers to care, and being far from regional centers meant we had to rely on each other’s expertise and support.”
Despite the demanding nature of her work, Nour found immense reward in the gratitude and warmth she received from the communities she served. “This experience was about more than just treating eye conditions—it was about bridging gaps in healthcare access and learning to understand and respect the unique needs of each population.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION AND BLACKWOODS PARTNERSHIP
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