Atipalku Intjalki
Fashion moves fast. Collections launch, capsules drop, and collaborations have their moment then quietly make way for the next. The cycle rarely pauses long enough to leave a mark beyond the wardrobe. But not every fashion collaboration outlives its season.
Fifteen years ago, Specsavers and The Fred Hollows Foundation began a partnership that has become something more enduring than a product cycle — one grounded in collaboration, community and art, rather than trend.
This year marks two milestones for that partnership: 15 years since it began and the 10th limited-edition artist collaboration collection. And in a full circle moment, the 2026 collection returns to where it all started — the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, where Fred Hollows once carried out some of his earliest work to eliminate trachoma.
It was here where Fred Hollows established a legacy that continues today through a long-standing relationship with Anangu communities and organisations, including Nganampa Health Council. That legacy has led to a landmark moment for Australian eye health: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Until now, trachoma had been a leading cause of preventable vision loss among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“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.” — Tanya Morris, Indigenous Australia Program Director at The Fred Hollows Foundation
For the past 15 years, The Fred Hollows Foundation and its program partners have helped close the gap in eye health by ensuring these communities can access high-quality, culturally safe and patient-centric eye care including life-changing surgery and treatment to those in remote communities across Australia. The long-term partnership with Specsavers has enabled them to screen more than 155,550 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, conduct over 20,750 cataract surgeries and other eye treatments, provide more than 16,400 diabetic retinopathy treatments and train over 1,000 healthcare workers.
Since 2011, Specsavers has donated over $11 million to The Fred Hollows Foundation to help fund these achievements —a reminder of what long-standing collaborations can achieve that goes beyond just a new pair of glasses.
From the earliest 2014 collaboration with Langaliki to today’s with Ernabella artist and Pitjantjatjara woman, Atipalku Intjalki—they shine a light on our artists, communities and the incredible work that can be done when community and wellbeing is a priority.
Fred Hollows footage courtesy of Nomad Films. Fred Hollows photo’s courtesy of Michael Amendolia and Peter Solness.
At the heart of this year’s collection is the artwork,Tjukurpa Mulayangu by matriarch, Atipalku which draws on five decades of artistic practice. She brings a powerful narrative to life, weaving together ancestral storytelling, landscape and enduring cultural connection. Featuring Tjanpi (native grass) and Tjukula (waterholes), the vibrant design printed on the limited edition six-piece collection portrays her father’s country.
“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.” — Atipalku Intjalki
Created inside the same Ernabella Art Centre, where the first limited-edition artist collaboration began back in 2014 with local artist Langaliki, Atipalku feels proud knowing that everyone can see her artwork and the stories she tells through the partnership.
The new limited-edition range is available now with $25 from each pair sold donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Specsavers acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land, waterways and seas, and we acknowledge their continuing contribution to our national identity.
Our new limited-edition range features beautiful artwork by Atipalku Intjalki, Pitjantjatjara woman and Ernabella artist, with $25 from each pair sold donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation helping to close the gap in eye health.
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