15 Years of Impact: Specsavers Partners with Ernabella Artist Atipalku Intjalki to Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health

Specsavers has unveiled a new range of stylish limited-edition frames in collaboration with Ernabella artist and Pitjantjatjara woman Atipalku Intjalki to support the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program, marking 15 years of partnership and 10 artist collaborations.

This year’s collection holds particular significance, marking a return to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, where the first artist collaboration with Langaliki began.

It was in the APY Lands that Fred Hollows dedicated some of his earliest efforts to eliminating trachoma, establishing a legacy that continues today through long-standing relationships with Anangu communities and organisations, including Nganampa Health Council.

At the heart of this year’s collection is artwork Tjukurpa Mulayangu. Drawing on more than five decades of artistic practice, Atipalku brings to life a powerful narrative deeply rooted in her connection to Country. Her vibrant design portrays her father’s Country, featuring tjanpi (native grass) and numerous tjukula (waterholes).

Central to the story is Mulayangu, a wanampi (water snake) whose journey across the APY Lands is said to have created the rockholes that sustain life in the region. Through this work, Atipalku reflects on generations of shared heritage, weaving together ancestral storytelling, landscape, and enduring cultural connection.

Atipalku Intjalki said, “For 50 years, I have made art here in the middle of my community. I paint my father’s Country to keep his story alive.”

“It’s really lovely to see my artwork on the Specsavers frames. I make my work inside the Ernabella Art Centre, and when I walk outside I see the people in my community and I feel connected to my Country. I’m happy that everyone, including my family, can see the work I make and the stories I’m telling through this partnership.”

This ongoing work comes at a significant moment for Australian eye health, following the recent declaration from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, once a leading cause of preventable vision loss among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Together, Specsavers and The Fred Hollows Foundation are working to help close the gap in eye health by enhancing access to essential eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. In 2025, funds raised through the partnership helped support The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program to screen more than 24,000 people, deliver over 330 surgeries, and provide 3,600 diabetic retinopathy treatments.

Joanna Poon, Senior Frame Portfolio Manager at Specsavers said, “This year’s collection translates Atipalku’s artistic storytelling directly onto the frames, which have been designed and manufactured using sustainable materials. The result is a collection that blends contemporary eyewear design with a strong artistic influence, offering something both functional and visually unique.”

athy Rennie Matos, Head of Sustainability at Specsavers said, “Through this collaboration, we’re continuing our commitment to improving access to eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and supporting work that helps close the gap in preventable vision loss.”

Tanya Morris, Indigenous Australia Program Director at The Fred Hollows Foundation said, “Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can benefit from timely access to eye care, with much vision loss being preventable or treatable through culturally responsive services and strong community-led approaches.”

“The recent WHO declaration that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem is an important milestone for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and a reminder of what long-term partnership and community-led care can achieve.”

“Support from partners like Specsavers helps strengthen access to eye care, enabling more people to maintain good vision and continue participating fully in their families, communities and cultures.”

Atipalku Intjalki has given permission for her artwork ‘Tjukurpa Mulayangu’ to be transferred to the frames, with $25 from each pair sold donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation.

The limited-edition frames are now available to purchase for $199 AUD exclusively at Specsavers, in-store and online. Each pair comes with a collector’s case and cleaning cloth featuring Atipalku Intjalki’s design.

Media Release All Images

Closing the Eye Health Gap

It is estimated that one in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults has never had an eye test, while they are three times more likely to experience vision impairment or blindness than non-Indigenous Australians. Specsavers and The Fred Hollows Foundation are aiming to change this.

Over the 15 years of partnership, Specsavers’ donations have helped The Fred Hollows Foundation, and its Program Partners, to:

155,550

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people screened

20,750

cataract surgeries conduct

16,400

treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy provided

1,000+

health care workers trained to deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

1,193

health care workers trained to deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

500,000

Specsavers' to raise for The Foundation through the sale of these limited-edition glasses.

FRED HOLLOWS 15

33913247 | 2 pairs single vision $199

Download

Limited edition glasses featuring artwork from sisters Tarisse and Sarrita King. Their artwork beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of Australia’s top end, reflecting on the lives of families and communities who inhabit the land. The strokes and dots symbolise the ever-changing growth of community, connection, and culture. These round frames feature nose pads and a burgundy painted rim to complement the artwork.

FRED HOLLOWS 16

33913254 | 2 pairs single vision $199

Download

Limited edition glasses featuring artwork from sisters Tarisse and Sarrita King. Their artwork beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of Australia’s top end, reflecting on the lives of families and communities who inhabit the land. The strokes and dots symbolise the ever-changing growth of community, connection, and culture. The frame front features a polished translucent burgundy acetate. These rectangular frames will suit most face shapes.

FRED HOLLOWS SUN RX 10

33913261 | 2 pairs single vision $199

Download

Limited edition glasses featuring artwork from sisters Tarisse and Sarrita King. Their artwork beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of Australia’s top end, reflecting on the lives of families and communities who inhabit the land. The strokes and dots symbolise the ever-changing growth of community, connection, and culture. These round sunglasses are crafted from polished acetate and feature a keyhole bridge.

FRED HOLLOWS SUN RX 11

33913278 | 2 pairs single vision $199

Download

Limited edition glasses featuring artwork from sisters Tarisse and Sarrita King. Their artwork beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of Australia’s top end, reflecting on the lives of families and communities who inhabit the land. The strokes and dots symbolise the ever-changing growth of community, connection, and culture. These square sunglasses are crafted from polished acetate and feature a keyhole bridge.

DOWNLOADS

MEDIA CONTACTS

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:

Taylah O’Neill, Ogilvy PR
M: 0433 450 010| E: taylah.oneill@ogilvy.com

Rosie Scanlan, Ogilvy PR
M: 0448 882 438 | E: rosie.scanlan@ogilvy.com

Prices correct at the time of distribution. Frames available while stocks last
All glasses are priced complete with single vision lenses

FOLLOW AT

15 Years of Impact: Specsavers Partners with Ernabella Artist Atipalku Intjalki to Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health

Closing the Eye Health Gap

155,550

20,750

16,400

1,000+

1,193

500,000

FRED HOLLOWS 15

FRED HOLLOWS 16

FRED HOLLOWS SUN RX 10

FRED HOLLOWS SUN RX 11

DOWNLOADS

MEDIA CONTACTS

*Prices correct at the time of distribution. Frames available while stocks last *All glasses are priced complete with single vision lenses

*Prices correct at the time of distribution. Frames available while stocks last *All glasses are priced complete with single vision lenses

FOLLOW AT

Specsavers

The Fred Hollows Foundation

Ernabella Arts

DOWNLOADS

Prices correct at the time of distribution. Frames available while stocks last
All glasses are priced complete with single vision lenses

Prices correct at the time of distribution. Frames available while stocks last
All glasses are priced complete with single vision lenses