The Fred Hollows Foundation, which works throughout the Pacific to eliminate blindness, has been named Australia's Charity of the Year.
It was founded by the late Fred Hollows, who was born in Dunedin and worked as an opthamologist in New Zealand and Australia.
International Development Minister Melissa Parke said the award is well deserved recognition for the foundation's excellence.
Ms Parke said it runs an effective business that ensures quality eye care, particularly for women and ethnic minorities.