Financial overview
In 2024, the Foundation generated $1.6 million in total income, with $1,047,973 sourced from generous donations.
The Foundation awarded 34 grants totalling $847,053.
These funds were strategically distributed across our four priorities: training and professional programs, equal access to care, technology and equipment and research.
2024 donor impact highlights
In 2024, your generous support helped the Foundation fund a range of projects that build capability, support First Nations communities, and break down barriers to essential eye care. Below are highlights of some key initiatives that have made a real difference.
Accessibility and community
Critical Care Fund | Funding: $13,200: This fund supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients from across Australia with transport, accommodation, and essentials while receiving care. It helped patients like a 29-year-old man from Wagga and a 78-year-old from Nambucca Heads access vital eye surgeries and follow-ups.
Gadigal Eye Clinic | Funding: $169,000: Opened in October 2024 with a traditional smoking ceremony (pictured below). In its first year, this culturally safe clinic welcomed nearly 300 First Nations patients. Future plans include virtual care to reach remote communities across NSW.
Image: Opening of the Gadigal Eye Clinic with a traditional smoking ceremony.
Innovation, training and technology
Sydney Eye Drop App | Funding: $20,000 (2023/24): Australia’s first eye drop reminder app improved medication adherence. Early results show strong patient satisfaction and ease of use.
Ophthalmology Fellowship Program | Funding: $582,000: Fellows provide expert frontline clinical care across emergency, outpatient and surgical settings while training junior doctors who are essential to hospital operations and positive patient outcomes.
I Share Digital Information Platform | Funding: $10,230: SMS and email communication improved the patient experience, with 50% open rates and 88% satisfaction. Over 150 eye care resources were made digitally accessible.
Outpatient Welcome Videos | Funding: $9,090: New videos guide patients through appointments, treatments, and support options—especially helpful for those with vision impairment or language needs.
Ellex Compact Touch Ultrasound | Funding: $23,000: New ultrasound equipment doubled diagnostic capacity for cataract and corneal disease, improving access and reducing wait times.
Retinal Virtual Reality Project | Funding: $50,311 (2023/24): Virtual reality tools were used to assess how patients with inherited retinal diseases navigate space. The research progressed to genetic analysis of retinal cells in 2024.
Image: Sydney Eye Hospital first eye drop reminder.
I've had several operations at Sydney Eye Hospital and have always received exceptional care. Because these services are provided at no cost, I feel a strong responsibility to give back and help ensure this incredible hospital continues to serve others.
- A grateful donor
