Every Christmas, while families gather and gifts are exchanged, the team at Sydney Eye Hospital continues their vital work — performing emergency surgeries and delivering specialist trauma care to patients in need. 

Brook knows this firsthand. After a traumatic injury left her facing the loss of her eye, she underwent seven surgeries — one of which spanned Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. Her story is a powerful reminder of how critical timely access to expert care can be. 

“Meeting patients is extraordinary,” says Linda Fagan, CEO of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation. “They are living proof of what this hospital does.” 

Brook’s surgeries were performed by a team deeply committed to saving her eye and preserving her sight. Her experience highlights the dedication of Sydney Eye Hospital’s trauma specialists — especially during the holiday season. 

As the only dedicated eye trauma centre in NSW, Sydney Eye Hospital treats patients like Brook every day. Thanks to your generosity, we continue to provide urgent, sight-saving care across our specialist units — glaucoma, corneal, vitreoretinal, oculoplastic — and of course, our emergency department, especially during the busiest time of year. 

Why your support matters

Brook’s story shows how vital it is to have access to specialist trauma care when it’s needed most. Sydney Eye Hospital provides world-class treatment for urgent and complex eye injuries — but demand is growing, especially over Christmas and New Year.  

We’re recruiting a part-time Fellow through our new Trauma Fellowship Program to support the Trauma Team, initially for a two-year commitment, thanks to donors.  

But we’re aiming higher — to fund a two-year, full-time Fellow who can support our team year-round. This on-call program will train the next generation of ophthalmologists in trauma care, giving our specialists more capacity to treat patients.  

Fellows play a vital role: managing post-traumatic complications, performing complex reconstructions, and helping patients heal. The program costs $110,000 for a full-time Fellow — enabling them to deliver life-changing care, often working around the clock.  

Still searching for a meaningful gift this Christmas? 

Let’s be honest — the shops are crowded, parking is a challenge, and public transport isn’t much better. If you're looking to avoid the chaos, why not consider a quieter, more thoughtful option?  

Our new Gift of Sight cards are a beautiful way to honour someone you love, while supporting life-changing care at Sydney Eye Hospital. No queues, no wrapping — just a heartfelt gesture that makes a real difference.  

Leaving no one behind

“With your help, no one is left behind,” Linda says. “Please donate, because together we can make equity in eye care a reality.” 

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Christmas.