The exhibition opened on Monday and will be on display until November 24.

The exhibition uses pictures and story to outline the life and achievements of Fred Hollows and the continuing work of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Sixteen years after the passing of Professor Hollows, his widow Gabi Hollows hopes the exhibition will offer locals a chance to learn more about Fred's dream of eradicating avoidable blindness and improving Indigenous health.

"The exhibition gives people the chance to learn more about Fred's life and the work of The Foundation, which I think is extremely important given that he remains a very significant person in Australian history."

Following its display at Cessnock City Library, the exhibition will continue to tour regional and metropolitan libraries in NSW throughout 2009/10.

In 2008, The Fred Hollows Foundation restored the sight of 176, 472 people, provided eye care for over 1.3 million people, trained 5,217 eye health workers and supplied over $1.5 million worth of essential medical equipment.